Long QT Syndrome is a potentially life-threatening heart condition, affecting 1 in 2,000 children. Early detection helps prevent serious complications.
A couple of Saturdays ago, Connecticut Children’s and Hearts in Harmony sposnored free EKG screenings at their Post Road West center.
It was a fun event, with kid-friendly activities, a fashion show and food.
For one family, it was much more.
Kasey was one of 60 children tested. Her EKG was abnormal.
Pediatrician Dr. Sarah Siegel, called immediately.
Kasey’s mother Andi had just arrived in Boston when she got the call.
“Dr. Siegel said that my daughter’s upper atria appeared enlarged, but it could also be an abnormal reading. I literally felt sick to my stomach.”
Within 24 hours, Kasey was scheduled to see a Connecticut Children’s pediatric cardiologist. Andi drove back to Westport.
“The fact that Connecticut Children’s held appointments for all 5 families that received abnormal EKGs blew me away,” Andi says. “Knowing that my daughter would be seen the next morning was such a relief.”
Andi, her husband and Kasey met with Dr. Enos, a Connecticut Children’s pediatric cardiologist, who delivered the good news: Kasey’s heart was perfectly healthy.
“Dr. Enos was amazing. He took the time to explain everything, and we walked away feeling reassured and grateful,” Andi says.
She says the experience changed her perspective on early detection and heart screenings.
“As scared as I was when I got that call, I felt relieved that we were able to catch something we may never have known about until my daughter was an adult. Or worse, when it was too late.
“We waited about 3 minutes before they took my daughter in for her echocardiogram. The test was painless, and they even had the TV on for her. It was over quickly.
“Events like Check Your Beat are invaluable. You never know what you might find — and catching something early could make all the difference.”
Kasey and Andi.
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Great story Dan!!!! Healthcare providers (we old Westporters used to call them doctors and nurses) are great. They certainly got the job done for Kasey and Andi. Drs Shiller, Lynch and Lebhar are smiling. Nurse Betty too!
one can use an appl watch to set up ekg and monitoring for a fib. The data on the phone is very valuable to a cardiologist. The watch is accurate and often picks up a fibrillation a fib that cannot be detected on a standard ekg. I’m not a cardiologist
Jail is where she belongs! It appears people still don’t know the truth about this sociopath. They soon will!!!