On Sunday, April 14, the University of California at Davis is holding a free heart health screening at Folsom High School. Anyone aged 12 to 25 is free to register for a detailed examination, including an electrocardiogram, and the site is also hosting optional training in CPR.
Why should young people bother with having their hearts examined? Turns out, many of us could have a potential heart condition, genetic or linked to our environments, that could hinder us in our day-to-day lives.
“1 in 215 youth have a heart condition that puts them at risk [of a heart attack],” said Rebecca McCormac in an email. McCormac is the coordinator of Project ADAM Sacramento, an organization connected with the UC Davis Pediatric Hospital that aims to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, or SCA, in young people.
Most heart diseases are preventable or treatable, making examinations at a young age particularly effective at controlling their effect on your life.
“23,000 people under 18 suffer SCA each year… we only have 14 students from Vista signed up,” McCormac said.
Students can register here before Sunday.

This is a developing story. Please check back by the end of next week for more details.