High School Sports and Crucial Heart Screenings

A student-athlete discovered a serious heart condition thanks to a mandatory screening required by Florida law. The state’s Second Chance Act, effective from July 1, mandates that students in grades 9-12 undergo at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) screening before participating in interscholastic sports. This rule aims to identify potential heart issues before they become life-threatening.

An ECG, sometimes called an EKG, is a straightforward test. It assesses the heart’s electrical signals, helping to detect irregular rhythms or other signs of heart problems.

A high school athlete, without symptoms, found out about his heart defect due to Florida’s screening law.

Cameron Crider, a sophomore at Calvary Christian High School in Clearwater, Florida, benefits from this rule. The ECG revealed he has an atrial septal defect (ASD), a congenital heart issue where there’s an opening between the heart’s two upper chambers.

An untreated ASD can cause excessive blood flow, eventually straining the heart and lungs. This can lead to problems like pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, or even a stroke.

Cameron expressed his surprise, “I’ve been active my whole life and never felt anything.” His mother, Laura Crider, shared their shock, noting Cameron participated in long sports practices without issues.

This screening came as a relief to the Crider family. Laura called the mandatory ECG a “gift,” emphasizing the importance of finding out in a controlled, non-emergency setting. Cameron’s surgery is planned for October, and he is expected to resume sports next season.

A majority of young athletes who suffer sudden cardiac arrest do not show prior symptoms. Dr. Jonathan Drezner from the University of Washington Medicine Center for Sports Cardiology noted that intense physical activity can exacerbate unseen heart problems.

The American Heart Association (AHA) acknowledges the necessity of heart assessments. However, they don’t advocate for mandatory ECG screenings for all athletes. The AHA believes a detailed heart assessment, including family and personal history alongside a physical exam, is crucial for detecting serious heart issues.

If concerns arise from a basic heart assessment, further testing like an ECG or other advanced imaging might be required. An ECG, according to Dr. Drezner, can effectively flag conditions linked to sudden cardiac arrest, catching about 80% of risky conditions.

“An ECG significantly enhances detection of heart risks in young athletes,” Drezner stated.

Dr. Drezner advises parents to ensure their child feels well during exercise and to address any concerning symptoms or family history of genetic heart conditions with their doctor.