A high school athlete discovered a potentially life-threatening heart condition thanks to a screening required by Florida’s Second Chance Act, effective since July 1. This law mandates that students from grades 9 through 12 undergo at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) screening when they first participate in or try out for school sports.
An ECG is a simple, noninvasive test that measures the electrical signals of the heart, identifying irregular rhythms or other potential issues. For Cameron Crider, a sophomore football and basketball player at Calvary Christian High School in Clearwater, the ECG revealed an atrial septal defect (ASD), a congenital heart defect. ASD involves an opening in the wall between the heart’s upper chambers.
If left untreated, significant ASD can cause extra blood flow that strains the heart and lungs, leading to complications such as pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, or stroke. Despite years of active participation in sports, Crider showed no symptoms of his condition.
Cameron said, “I’ve been playing sports my whole life and didn’t notice anything, so I was surprised because I haven’t felt anything.” His mother, Laura Crider, explained their shock given his rigorous practice schedule without any signs of fatigue or shortness of breath.
“This mandatory ECG is a blessing,” Laura Crider added. “We found this out in a controlled setting, unlike others who learn through tragedy.”
Cameron is scheduled for surgery to correct his heart defect and is expected to return to sports next season. Dr. Jonathan Drezner of the University of Washington Medicine Center for Sports Cardiology highlighted that up to 80% of young athletes suffering sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) do not show symptoms prior to the event.
The American Heart Association (AHA) notes that intense physical activity can exacerbate undetected heart conditions in athletes. Although the AHA does not recommend ECG testing for all student-athletes, it emphasizes a heart assessment that involves reviewing the student’s personal and family medical history and conducting a physical examination. If concerns arise, further testing such as ECGs or echocardiograms can be pursued.
The AHA and the American College of Cardiology advocate for an evidence-based approach to identifying heart issues early. Dr. Drezner supports ECG screenings, stating they can detect about 80% of conditions that pose a risk of SCA.
Symptoms like chest pain and a racing heart should be addressed promptly, especially if there is a family history of heart conditions. Dr. Drezner advised parents to ensure their child feels well during exercise and to discuss heart screenings with a doctor.
Teresa Mull, part of Fox News Digital’s Lifestyle team, reported on this development.