Texas Children's Hospital West Campus offers free heart screenings for teen athletes

The Texas Children's Hospital West Campus in Katy will host heart screenings for student athletes from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 15.

The screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a potentially fatal genetic heart condition, is targeted for students ages 14-18, according to a press release.

Active students involved in athletics, cheerleading, marching band, drill team or other strenuous sports are encouraged to participate in the screening.

Students and parents can sign up for the event online at www.champhearts.org.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young people and normally does not present any symptoms, according to the release. About one in 500 teens are affected by the disorder.

Championship Hearts Foundation and Texas Children's Hospital are partnering to reduce cardiovascular disease in Texas through education, awareness and life-saving technology.

Texas Children's Hospital West Campus is at 18200 Katy Freeway in Houston.

For more information, call 832-227-1000 or visit www.westcampus.texaschildrens.org.