Your guide to life-saving screening
At Poppy’s Light Foundation, we guide families through every step of the heart screening process. We provide support, clear information, and reassurance, helping families act before a life is at risk.
Early detection gives families knowledge, protection, and hope.
Why is heart screening important?
Inherited Cardiac Conditions (ICCs) often show no obvious signs until a dangerous heart rhythm occurs.
Heart screening helps to:
- Identify children and adults at risk.
- Provide life-saving guidance and treatment.
- Offer peace of mind for families.
- Prevent Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) before it happens.
Who should be screened?
Heart screening is especially important for:
- Families with a history of unexplained fainting, seizures, or sudden death.
- Children of parents diagnosed with an ICC.
- Individuals experiencing unexplained dizziness, palpitations, or fainting
Even if no symptoms are present, a family history is a strong reason to seek testing.
Signs & symptoms
What screening methods are available?
Specialists may recommend one or more of the following heart screening methods:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heart’s electrical activity.
- Echocardiogram to check the heart’s structure and function.
- Exercise testing to observe how the heart responds to physical activity.
- Genetic testing to identify inherited conditions and help guide family screening.
- Ongoing monitoring ensures early intervention if needed.
What does screening do?
Screening for Inherited Cardiac Conditions can transform outcomes by offering crucial benefits for individuals and families. It can:
- Detect conditions before symptoms appear.
- Allow doctors to recommend medications or lifestyle adjustments.
- Help families make informed decisions about activity, school, and care.
- Give children the chance to live safely and fully.
Navigate our information hub
Click on a link below to dive deeper into our information hub’s essential heart health content.