Health Department launches screening for ‘rare’ heart issue in Kugaaruk

Nunavut’s Health Department is encouraging Kugaaruk residents between five and 18 to get screened for dilated cardiomyopathy — a “rare” cardiac condition, according to Health Minister John Main.

“It was identified to us as a concern by some specialists that we work with out of Alberta, and upon further investigation and discussion it was decided that a screening initiative would be warranted,” Main said in an interview.

He said there have been “multiple” cases but did not specify how many.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is “the most common type of cardiomyopathy,” according to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

It’s when a chamber of the heart becomes enlarged and muscles that make up the heart’s walls become stretched and thinner than normal. That stretching weakens the muscles, preventing the heart from pumping blood as well as it would otherwise, a heart institute fact sheet says.

The Government of Nunavut is sending staff and specialists to Kugaaruk, which has a population of about 1,000 people, from Sept. 15 to 19 to provide screenings at Arviligruaq Ilinniarvik School, a news release said.

The screening, which the Health Department calls “non-invasive,” includes a height and weight measurement, quick heart ultrasound and an immediate review by cardiologists, with results being provided to families and the health centre.

If a heart condition is found, the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton will arrange followup appointments, and family members might also be screened because the condition could be genetic.

Netsilik MLA Joseph Quqqiaq asked Main in question period about the screening that’s happening this week, and if it’s voluntary.

Main said it is voluntary and parents of kids being screened will have to sign a consent form before proceeding.

He said staff are there to answer any questions.

“The reception from the community has been very positive,” Main said.

“We have some really dedicated local health staff who are helping to support this and helping to educate the community and hopefully ensure that we have as many individuals screened as possible.”