Peyton's Law

Peyton’s Law

Peyton’s Law requires:

Information about the importance of electrocardiogram (EKG) testing and how it can help detect heart issues leading to SCA be included in the PIAA PPE (Preparticipation Physical Examination) form that student athletes and their parents/guardians have to review and sign, prior to participating in school athletics.

Schools to include information in this PIAA form outlining the option to request an EKG from a family’s medical provider, at their expense, during a comprehensive physical examination.

PA Department of Education (PDE) to develop and post information on their website about Sudden Cardiac Arrest – including warning signs/symptoms – and the importance of EKG testing for students.  

The Reason Behind Peyton’s Law

In 2013, Peyton Walker, a graduate of Trinity High School in Camp Hill, died of Sudden Cardiac Arrest at the age of 19.  Because Peyton’s goal was to work in healthcare, The Peyton Walker Foundation was established.  The Foundation advocates for the use of electrocardiogram (EKG) testing to screen for underlying electrical issues in the heart that can lead to SCA.  The Foundation conducts free EKG screening events at schools across Pennsylvania and has screened several thousand students.

A recently published study that appeared in the Journal of the American Heart Association states that the purpose of cardiovascular screening (electrocardiogram testing) is to “identify or raise suspicion of previously unrecognized and largely genetic or congenital cardiovascular diseases known to cause sudden cardiac arrest and sudden death in young people.”  Most experts believe that early detection of potentially lethal disorders can decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
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Electrocardiogram Information:
An EKG is a quick, painless and noninvasive test that measures and records a moment in time of the heart’s electrical activity.  Small electrode patches are attached to the skin of your chest, arms and legs by a technician.  An ECG/EKG provides information about the structure, function, rate & rhythm of the heart.

• An EKG can be ordered by your physician for Screening for cardiovascular disease (ICD 10 code: Z03.89) or for a variety of symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, fainting, or family history of heart disease and will generally be paid for by insurance.
• The EKG is a reasonable screening tool for structural cardiac disease but can be a first step leading to other testing (e.g., ECHO) and a diagnosis of conditions such as hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy, and others.
• It may be diagnostic tool for rhythm problems, ischemia and evaluation for some sudden death associated conditions such as WPW, Long QT, Brugada, ARVD, short QT.
• The EKG can identify two-thirds of the conditions associated with sudden cardiac arrest.
• There are conditions such as anomalous origin of the coronary arteries and arrhythmias (CPVT) that a resting EKG will not identify.
• The EKG can have false positive findings (2-3% when qualified EKG interpretation is performed) but have fewer false positives than the current history and physical exam (10%).
• Additional testing to evaluate an abnormal EKG, which is only needed for 2-3%, can include an echocardiogram most commonly, an exercise stress test, 24-hour ambulatory EKG, or an MRI. More invasive testing is rarely needed to determine if there is true heart disease.
• Once a true cardiac condition is discovered, it can be treated according to standard protocols.
• If the heart is found to be normal after additional testing, return to play should be immediate.