bradycardia

My son is 13 5-3" 118lbs. Very Athletic plays all sports. 2yrs ago he had a few episodes of shortness of breath and chest pain. Dr. said his heart was slow. Ekg showed irregularties. We saw a cardiolgist. Echo cardigram was done was told everything looked good. He wore a heart halter again everything was fine. Re-did all test again in 6-months.   cardoligist said everything is fine. he had only 1 instance happen last year and it was a very hot day while playing football. Was told a combination of heat exhaust and dehydration. I just took him for his physical for football and his Dr. again seems concerned with his slow heart. He ok'd him for football this year but says he wants all test done again next year before he enters highschool.  He also wrote down Bradycardia on the physical. The Cardiologist never said that before. I want to know if you think it's ok to let him play this year or should I have the test done this year. I'd never forgive myself if something happened.

[Momto3]

I'm a worry wart, so I think I'd follow through now.  It may not be necessary, but I'd rather be on the safe side.  Did the doctor explain why it would be OK to wait until next year?

[luckygilr1]

he's reasoning was because once he's in highschool the level of play becomes more intense....He also stated that most athletes do have slow heart rates but he doesn't think thats the case here.   He did give him the ok to play sports this year but he also wrote on the physical "Bradycardia" I'm not sure how the coaches & League will react once I turn in the physical.

[Momto3]

Boy, that's a tough one. What does your son's ped/family doctor say?  Since his tests were good and the cardio gave him clearance, I'm thinking it's probably fine.

Did the doctor give your son any limitations?  symptoms he should watch for?

[luckygilr1]

It's our family Dr. that has all the concern. I appreciate that he wants to make sure that everything is good. The cardiologist cleared him after running all the test 2-x's. He said he was fine. Cardiologist was recommended to me by a friend, Her son has had 3-open heart surgeries. Our sons have been friends since kindergarden. I felt lucky when she called him and he then called me back and saw my son that weekend. I plan on talking to the coach on Tues.when I turn in the physical so I guess I'll find out next week what the league says. Dr. says my son needs to listen to his body..Light-headed,Dizzy,pain he needs to stop. thats all he' giving me.other then he labeled it as a condition now.  Which is what scares me. I do want to say Thanks for answering my post.I really appreciate it. It helped just being able to get it off my chest.

[Momto3]

Your reactions to all of this sound so nurturing : )

I think you're doing all the right things.  Alerting the coach and reminding your son to "listen to his body" will help reassure you that he understands what's going on.  Hopefully, this will all clear itself up with next year's exam and you won't have to worry about it.  Of course, as a mom, there will always be something to worry about....LOL

Take care and tell your son to have a fab season!!

connie

[luckygilr1]

Connie Thanks again...I hope all goes well this year too...  I'll tell him what you had to say and I'll pray silently on the sidelines while he runs down the field scoring a touchdown....LOL...Thats if the league lets him play....