Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young Athletes

It is natural for parents to worry about the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in a young athlete. High-profile cases in the news and on social media keep this concern in the public eye, and many schools now ask parents to sign a waiver acknowledging the risk before their child can participate in sports. That kind of acknowledgment can understandably cause concern.

The good news is that SCA in young athletes is rare. The chance that any one child is at risk is very small. That said, the risk does exist. The standard sports physical, as currently recommended in the United States, does not adequately screen for the underlying causes of SCA—and most people are not aware of this. Organizations like the American Heart Association have not recommended more specific cardiac testing primarily because of the cost and logistical challenges of applying those tests to every student athlete across the country. It is worth noting that European guidelines do recommend an ECG as part of routine sports screening, and professional sports organizations—including the NBA and NFL—require both an ECG and an echocardiogram before clearing athletes to compete.

This does not mean there are no options available to families who want a higher level of screening. Two tests can evaluate for some of the most common causes of SCA: an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound). Our understanding of what causes SCA is still evolving. At present, we believe that as many as 40% of cases may be caused by electrical abnormalities in the heart that current testing cannot detect. However, ECG and echocardiogram can identify many of the most common causes.

What Is an ECG and Echocardiogram?

An ECG evaluates the heart’s electrical system. It is performed by placing small stickers on the chest and recording the electrical activity of the heart. It is painless and takes about 10 minutes.

An echocardiogram is a heart ultrasound that evaluates the structure and function of the heart, including its valves, connected blood vessels, and coronary arteries. It is also painless and takes approximately 30–45 minutes.

Because current U.S. recommendations do not include these tests as part of the routine sports physical, they are not covered by insurance for patients without symptoms or a significant family history. For this reason, we offer both tests at a flat rate for any family who wants a higher level of screening for their young athlete. The recommended age range is 12–21.

What to Expect

Both tests are performed right here in our office by our experienced staff. No referral from your child’s pediatrician is required—you can contact us directly to schedule. There is no special preparation needed beforehand, and neither test involves needles, radiation, or any discomfort.

Results will be communicated directly to your family. If everything looks normal, we will let you know promptly. If any finding requires further evaluation, we will explain what it means in plain terms, walk you through the next steps, and be available to answer your questions. Our goal is to give you clarity—not anxiety.

The screening options are detailed below. Both are offered at a flat rate with no insurance billing and no surprise charges. To schedule, call us at 901-259-2440.