Dr. Robert J. Tozzi: Hidden Heart Ailments in Children and Adults

    NEW YORK, NY, May 12, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The sudden death of a young athlete on the soccer field, or an adult marathon-runner before the finish-line, can be shocking, especially when the competitor is apparently in a state of peak physical health. Worse, many of the conditions that lead to cardiac arrest in athletes - even in preteens - have few signs or symptoms; or sometimes, no symptoms at all.

While coronary artery disease typically affects mature adults, younger athletes may face a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which causes the muscles of the heart to become thick, forcing it to work harder to pump blood.

On Friday, May 30, 2014, the Pediatric Cardiology Section of the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center will present "Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Children and Adults." This one-day conference will encourage the wider understanding of HCM and the need to screen for the disease in young athletes - and often, owing to genetic factors, in entire family cohorts.

Dr. Robert J. Tozzi, director of the Gregory M. Hirsch Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, and chief of Pediatric Cardiology at HackensackUMC, will present during the conference.

"Remember that, statistically, if one member of your family has been diagnosed with HCM, then one-half of your family members are at risk for developing this disease," said Dr. Tozzi "Evaluation of first-degree relatives on a regular, repetitive basis can go a long way towards correct diagnosis and effective treatment. This conference will help clear up some of the common mistakes and mysteries concerning HCM."

The conference will be held at HackensackUMC's Hekemian Conference Center Auditorium, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601, Friday, May 30, 2014, 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. This program is complimentary, and members of the media are welcome; however, registration is required. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited. Please RSVP by May 23, 2014, to [email protected], 201-487-7617.

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