Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Student-Athletes

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death among student-athletes, often occurring without warning. To counter this, the Miami-Dade School Board and the State of Florida mandate electrocardiograms (ECGs) for all student-athletes prior to participating in sports.

Why Heart Screenings are Necessary

High school sports play a vital role in teaching students teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Heart screenings are conducted to prevent potential tragedies during sports events. More than 90% of sudden cardiac arrest victims do not survive, and most are unaware of their risk. Hence, the State of Florida’s ‘Second Chance Act’ enforces ECG requirements for student-athletes.

Getting Your Child Screened

Florida’s sports medicine community prioritizes the health and safety of athletes. Coaches are encouraged to learn CPR and schools must have automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Additionally, preventive measures against heat illness are taught. An ECG is a simple and painless test that monitors the heart’s electrical function. This, combined with a health questionnaire and physical exam, enhances safety measures.

Local healthcare providers such as Baptist Health and Nicklaus Children’s offer these screenings free or at a low cost, with Florida law capping the cost at $50. The primary focus is to ensure safety during sports activities. While the ECG is not infallible and might result in some false positives, early tests allow time for further evaluation if necessary. Although rare, the screening provides each child the necessary opportunity to safely enjoy sports.

Dr. Michael Swartzon, a prominent sports medicine physician associated with Baptist Health South Florida, collaborates with teams like the Miami Dolphins, the Florida Panthers, and InterMiami CF. He is available at [email protected].

This article was initially published on July 24, 2026, at 1:33 PM.