Cardiac Screenings for Student Athletes: What You Should Know

Thousands of Long Island high school students participate in sports every school year. Tryouts, practices, and in-season games can be strenuous for a student-athlete.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in young athletes, often triggered by undetected, silent heart conditions during intense physical exertion. Routine heart screenings, including electrocardiograms (ECGs) and thorough medical histories, are critical to identifying these hidden risks early and keeping student-athletes safe on the field.

Catholic Health offers free cardiac screenings for all high school student-athletes.

The Student Athlete Cardiac Screening program at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center offers free screenings to students in grades 9-12 to help identify predisposed heart conditions.

Sean Levchuck, MD, Co-director of the program and Chair of Pediatric Cardiology at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center, explains the importance of scheduling a cardiac screening for your student athlete.

Why should I schedule a cardiac screening for my child?

Routine medical exams are beneficial to ensure a student is in good health before playing a sport. But not all exams include a cardiac screening, which can show heart abnormalities that may strain an athlete’s heart and could lead to life-threatening situations like sudden cardiac arrest.

Does it matter what sport my child plays or their level of play?

Cardiac student screenings are for all students for all sports. Life-threatening cardiac situations can happen during any sport and any season.

It’s essential to schedule a cardiac screening if your child plays on a travel team—clearances differ from school district sports. Travel sports also take it to the next level. More is demanded—the training is harder and longer. So these student-athletes must get a cardiac screening.

If the goal is for travel sports to be a stepping stone to the collegiate level—where play intensifies—then you owe it to yourself and your child to ensure that the heart is normal.

Remember, a player may look amazing and perform exceptionally on the field, but that doesn’t mean underlying, undetected conditions don’t exist.

What should we expect at the cardiac screening?

The screening takes approximately 45 minutes. Your child is given an electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiogram with immediate results interpreted by renowned cardiologists at St. Francis Heart Center, home to Long Island’s most awarded heart program. 

What are the next steps after a screening?

Our team will provide a plan of action if a cardiac issue is detected. The cardiac student screening program at St. Francis Heart Center stands out for providing you with access to the highest level of care—from cardiac imaging to minimally invasive surgery to specialized care for conditions like arrhythmia. Our team works closely together to provide ongoing care.

We also focus on preventive care, even with a clean bill of health, because it’s not only about the here and the now but also the future. After a screening (even if no issues are detected), we will talk to your child about healthy living, exercise, and avoiding unhealthy habits like vaping or consuming energy drinks. The emphasis is on taking care of their bodies for today and tomorrow.

When should I schedule a screening?

Screenings are recommended when your child is getting ready to start high school. If you haven’t already, schedule a screening today. We see all students in grades 9-12. There is no free and we make it convenient for you. In under an hour, you will know if your child is healthy and fit to play.

Screenings take place at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center. Call 516-629-2013 to schedule an appointment. Learn more about the Cardiac Screening Program at Catholic Health.