Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Student-Athletes: Importance of Heart Screenings

Understanding the Risks of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Student-Athletes

Sudden cardiac arrest is a critical concern as it is the leading cause of death among student-athletes. Surprisingly, this condition often arises without any prior symptoms, making it essential for preventive measures.

In response to this risk, the Miami-Dade School Board and the State of Florida have implemented requirements for heart screenings. Student-athletes in Florida must undergo electrocardiograms (ECGs) before participating in sports activities.

Importance of Heart Screenings for Student-Athletes

High school sports offer various benefits. They foster teamwork, discipline, respect for coaches, and teach handling success and defeat. Most importantly, sports provide enjoyment and a sense of achievement.

Heart screenings play a crucial role in preventing tragic incidents on school premises and during games. Statistics show over 90% of sudden cardiac arrest victims do not survive, often unaware of their risk status.

Due to these factors, the Miami-Dade County School Board, along with the State of Florida through the “Second Chance Act,” mandates ECGs for student-athletes before engaging in sports.

How to Get Your Child Screened

Florida’s sports medicine community is dedicated to ensuring athlete health and safety. Coaches are trained in CPR, and schools are equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

An ECG is a straightforward and painless test assessing the heart’s electrical activity. Alongside health questionnaires and physical exams, ECGs provide an added safety measure.

Healthcare providers such as Baptist Health and Nicklaus Children’s offer these screenings free or at a low cost. Florida law restricts the cost of an ECG to a maximum of $50.

The primary objective is to maintain student-athletes’ safety during sports activities. Though an ECG might show abnormal results requiring further specialist consultation, these are frequently false alarms, allowing those students to continue playing.

Early screenings are recommended to allow time for additional tests if necessary. Despite the rarity of cases, this simple test provides all children the opportunity to pursue their athletic interests safely.

Dr. Michael Swartzon, affiliated with Baptist Health South Florida and working with sports teams such as the Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers, and InterMiami CF, is available for contact at [email protected].

Originally published on July 24, 2026, at 1:33 PM.