Understanding the Need for Heart Screenings

Sudden cardiac arrest ranks as the leading cause of death among student-athletes, often occurring without any warning signs. This pressing issue has led the Miami-Dade School Board and the State of Florida to mandate electrocardiograms (ECGs) for all student-athletes before participation in sports.

The Role of High School Sports

High school sports are crucial for personal development. Students learn teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Sports also teach young individuals how to deal with both victory and defeat.

Preventing Tragedy with Screenings

To prevent tragic deaths during sports activities, heart screenings are essential. With sudden cardiac arrest as the top cause of death in this group and a survival rate below 10%, screenings become a critical safety measure. The “Second Chance Act” requires ECGs before students engage in sports.

How to Get Your Child Screened

Florida prioritizes the safety of student-athletes. Sports medicine professionals encourage coaches to learn CPR and ensure schools have automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Preventive measures for heat illness are also in place.

An electrocardiogram is a non-invasive test that evaluates the heart’s electrical functions. It is part of a comprehensive health assessment that includes a questionnaire and physical exam. This layered approach aims to protect student-athletes.

Local healthcare providers, such as Baptist Health and Nicklaus Children’s, provide these screenings. Fees are capped at $50 by Florida law, ensuring affordability.

Screenings: What to Expect

ECGs are generally reliable but not foolproof. Occasionally, an abnormal result could lead to further specialist consultations. Some abnormal findings turn out to be false alarms, clearing students for play later. To avoid delays, it’s advised to complete the screening well ahead of the sports season.

Despite their low occurrence, cases identified by ECGs justify offering this opportunity to every student-athlete. Dr. Michael Swartzon, a sports medicine physician with Baptist Health South Florida, emphasizes this initiative. He collaborates with teams such as the Miami Dolphins and InterMiami CF. Reach him at [email protected] for more information.

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