The significant problem of sudden death in athletes related to HCM has received serious attention by the CDC and IOC (International Olympic Committee). These organizations and physicians are becoming increasingly aware of the need for prevention through screening tests.

“ESPN looks at Herrion case” by Tom FitzGerald, September 17, 2005 discussed the sudden death of 23 year old Thomas Herrion, 49ers guard, after an exhibition game. Herrion had passed all physical examination tests. His autopsy report revealed death due to HCM. Dr. Steve Ommen, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic’s HCM department, told ESPN “it was unlikely that an Echocardiogram would have missed the condition.”

Teams listed below advocate early detection of HCM through Echocardiogram testing performed by Sonic Imaging, Inc., the best and most affordable method of detecting HCM.