KPTV - FOX 12Family of teen who died of enlarged heart says more must be done to screen

Family of teen who died of enlarged heart says more must be done to screen

An autopsy revealed Oregon State football player Fred Thompson died of an enlarged heart, according to the MedicalExaminer. Thompson collapsed Wednesday night while playing a game of pick-up basketball on campus.

"It brings us right back to very raw memories," said Charley Engelfried Sr. who lost his own son and teen athlete to the same condition.

Dallas High School student Charley Engelfried, 17, died right after winning a heavyweight wrestling match last February.  Doctors later determined he suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or an enlarged heart.

His parents, Charley and Nicole Engelfried, have paid close attention to several similar cases this year nationwide.  Doctors say while the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is rare, it's the most common cause of sudden death among young athletes.

"I think with technology we have accessible and the awareness we're able to provide, it could be prevented,"said Engelfried.

The Engelfrieds say they don't believe current school screenings go far enough. A spokesman at Oregon State University told Fox 12 incoming student athletes must undergo a basic physical, but that would not cover more advanced testing, such as an electrocardiogram, or EKG, unless the student had a pre-existing condition, or an issue raised concern during the basic physical.

"Any parent out there who has a child in exertion sports owes it to themselves to pursue whatever options they have available," said Engelfried.  "If an EKG would not determine what the issue is but present a red flag, so to speak, and further testing would be required or necessary that would be fantastic."

Whether or not to increase testing is being debated among the medical community nationwide.

Doctors say an EKG can detect the disorder, but not necessarily in all cases. A heart ultrasound could provide even more intensive screening but is costly.

However, Doctor James Beckerman a cardiologist at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center says the recent cases and tragic deaths should make doctors re-examine the physical think carefully about how young people are screened.

Doctors say knowing your family history is key; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is genetic, inmost cases.  However, people can live with the condition without showing any symptoms.  Symptoms that may manifest include dizziness, fainting and shortness of breath and should be taken extremely seriously, according to cardiologists.

The Engelfrieds who say Charley showed no warning signs hope to raise awareness soothers can learn from their son's death.

"Charley had a great gift, talent.  He was a very bright source of light for a lot of people. Live, laugh and love," said Engelfried. "That's what his friends will remember him by for years to come, and I imagine Fred's friends and family will remember him in the same way and honor him, not mourn him."

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