Importance of Heart Screenings for Student-Athletes

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death among student-athletes, occurring often without warning. This has led the Miami-Dade School Board and the State of Florida to require electrocardiograms (ECGs) for all student-athletes before they engage in sports.

Why Heart Screenings are Needed

High school sports play a vital role in young people’s lives. Through sports, children learn teamwork, discipline, how to listen to coaches, and how to deal with both victories and losses. Crucially, they have fun.

Heart screenings help prevent tragic deaths on campus or during games. Sudden cardiac arrest often strikes without warning, and unfortunately, more than 90% of victims do not survive, often unaware of their risk. Consequently, under the ‘Second Chance Act,’ ECGs are mandated before student-athletes can participate in Florida.

Getting Your Child Screened

Florida’s sports medicine community prioritizes the health and safety of athletes. Coaches are trained in CPR, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are available in every school. Moreover, methods to prevent heat illness are taught.

An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is a straightforward, painless test that evaluates the heart’s electrical activity. Paired with a health questionnaire and physical exam, it enhances protection. Healthcare providers such as Baptist Health and Nicklaus Children’s often offer these screenings for free or at low cost. Florida law ensures the test costs no more than $50.

The primary aim is to keep children safe while they play. Although no screening test is perfect, ECGs provide crucial insights. Some children may receive an abnormal result and need specialist evaluation, but these can also be false alarms, allowing the children to return to play.

Getting the screening done early allows time for any additional required testing. Though rare, these screenings offer children the safety they deserve while participating in sports.

Dr. Michael Swartzon, a sports medicine physician with Baptist Health South Florida, works with teams such as the Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers, and InterMiami CF. To reach Dr. Swartzon, contact [email protected].