One in 500 people have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy a common cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young people including young athletes – get screened on Feb. 25

The Flagstaff Clinic of Naturopathic Medicine and the Anthony Bates Foundation are offering low-cost (sliding-fee) heart evaluations for adolescents and adults.

The screenings are provided by the Anthony Bates Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives by helping prevent sudden cardiac arrest from a condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or HCM. About one out of every 500 people have HCM. It affects men and women equally and is a common cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young people including young athletes.

The comprehensive evaluation includes a blood pressure check, an electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiogram (ECG or Echo) of the heart. All tests are reviewed by a cardiologist.

An electrocardiogram checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. A disruption in the electrical circuits of the heart, which causes the heart to stop beating resulting in sudden cardiac arrest.

An echocardiogram, also called an echo test or heart ultrasound, is a test that takes moving pictures of the heart through the use of sound waves. These moving pictures show the size and shape of the heart and how well the heart is working overall and if a wall or section of the heart muscle is weak or not working correctly. Often, an ECG can identify problems with the heart’s valves or if there is a blood clot.

While at the clinic, the public is invited to meet the physicians and tour the clinic and learn more about the extensive role naturopathic medicine plays in overall health and wellbeing including IV therapy hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) enhances the body's natural healing process through inhalation of 100-percent oxygen while in a total body chamber. It is a simple, non-invasive and painless treatment used for a wide variety of conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, head injuries and chronic fatigue.

             Established in 1986, The Flagstaff Clinic of Naturopathic Medicine is the oldest naturopathic clinic in Flagstaff. The clinic offers complete family healthcare through the use of natural therapies. For more information on the Flagstaff Clinic of Naturopathic Medicine or the open house and screenings.