Media Contact: Ashley Davis, R/West [email protected], (971) 242-8243 X 114 SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST IS SHOWN TO BE THREE TIMES GREATER IN COMPETITIVE ATHLETES The Portland Clinic and the Portland Winterhawks Stress the Importance of Annual Physical Exams PORTLAND, Ore.— November 2013— The Portland Clinic, Oregon’s oldest multi-specialty medical group, and local Western Hockey League team, the Portland Winterhawks are working to bring awareness to Portlanders about the importance of annual physical exams. Last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics found that highly competitive athletes are three times more likely to suffer from cardiac arrest. However, according to The Portland Clinic’s Ralph A. Yates, D.O., annual exams are a key way athletes can take the initiative to keep their hearts healthy. “Physical exams that thoroughly cover family history are crucial for athletes working in a highly competitive environment,” shares Dr. Yates. “Ignoring the symptoms of a heart condition, such as chest discomfort and shortness of breath, could result in cardiac arrest. Without an exam, these signs could easily be dismissed as something less severe than a heart condition.” High performance teams, such as the Portland Winterhawks, understand the vital role that cardiac exams play. Dr. Yates and The Portland Clinic have acted as the team physicians for the Winterhawks for the last four years, administering physical exams each year to the players, who are between 16 and 20 years old. “Our team’s health is extremely important to us,” shares the Portland Winterhawks’ athletic trainer, Rich Campbell. “When we learned that competitive athletes are three times more likely to suffer from cardiac arrest, we knew we needed to stress the importance of these exams.” It is important to discuss family history with your primary care physician during the exam, as cardiac health is linked with genetic disorders and conditions. Cardiac exams are available at The Portland Clinic and can be made with your primary care physician. For more information about The Portland Clinic, visit http://www.theportlandclinic.com. ### About The Portland Clinic Established in 1921, The Portland Clinic is Oregon’s oldest, private, multi-specialty medical group. Today, with sophisticated medical technology, modern spacious facilities, and dynamic medical specialists, a personal approach to each patient’s good health remains The Portland Clinic’s primary focus. The Portland Clinic’s seven locations serve the greater Portland metropolitan area and care for over 75,000 families each year throughout the Northwest. For more information visit www.theportlandclinic.com. About the Portland Winterhawks The Portland Winterhawks are a major junior ice hockey team based in Portland, Ore., playing in the Western Hockey League, a member league in the Canadian Hockey League. .