Heart Screening Initiative Launched for Florida High School Athletes at Quest Diagnostics in Tampa
In a pioneering move, Florida has recently become the first state to mandate electrocardiograms (ECGs) for high school athletes, addressing the pressing need to identify hidden cardiac conditions among young sports enthusiasts. This initiative is highlighted with the launch of a new cardiac screening program at the Quest Diagnostics facility on Sheldon Road in Tampa, a collaboration between the nonprofit organization Who We Play For, healthcare provider Myelai, and Unless Health.
Starting this fall, the program aims to simplify the process of obtaining a potentially life-saving ECG for families. As mandated by the Second Chance Act, the ECG requirement underscores the risk of undiagnosed heart conditions in young athletes. Research indicates that approximately 1 in 300 youth has an undiagnosed cardiac issue, and sudden cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of death among student-athletes. Standard sports physicals are only able to detect about 10% of these conditions, while incorporating an ECG raises detection effectiveness to about 94%.
From July 1, 2026, the requirements will be in effect, allowing families to take advantage of this accessible program. The ECG screenings, which take about ten minutes, can be scheduled online, enhancing convenience for parents. Each screening utilizes a 12-lead ECG and is conducted under the scrutiny of a board-certified pediatric cardiologist, resulting in a comprehensive understanding of the child's heart health. Reports will be sent directly to families, enabling them to complete any necessary athletic clearance paperwork.
"Our goal is to make preventive heart screening accessible, ensuring that all children, irrespective of their community's medical resources, can undergo an ECG. We hope for Quest Diagnostics to extend this program statewide, benefiting families across Florida," expressed Mr. Maccarone, the Board Chairman of Who We Play For, emphasizing the initiative's community health impact.
Dr. Bhavya Trivedi from Unless Health noted the significance of expert interpretation in these screenings, stating, "Many serious heart conditions can be detected through a simple, pain-free ECG before any symptoms manifest. This program not only prioritizes the safety of young athletes but also enables them to engage in sports with confidence."
Myelai's CEO, Ryan Bailey, highlighted the importance of a seamless process for families, illustrating the partnership model between schools, clinics, laboratories, and cardiologists. "What we are creating in Tampa could serve as a blueprint for other states eager to follow in Florida's footsteps," he remarked.
Who We Play For is dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac death among the youth, offering affordable ECG screenings and community outreach programs.
Unless Health provides specialized ECG interpretation tailored for adolescents, ensuring accurate assessments for youth cardiac screenings.
Myelai specializes in operational strategies that enhance program delivery, contributing significantly to this initiative while headquartered in Melbourne, Florida.
Starting this fall, the program aims to simplify the process of obtaining a potentially life-saving ECG for families. As mandated by the Second Chance Act, the ECG requirement underscores the risk of undiagnosed heart conditions in young athletes. Research indicates that approximately 1 in 300 youth has an undiagnosed cardiac issue, and sudden cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of death among student-athletes. Standard sports physicals are only able to detect about 10% of these conditions, while incorporating an ECG raises detection effectiveness to about 94%.
From July 1, 2026, the requirements will be in effect, allowing families to take advantage of this accessible program. The ECG screenings, which take about ten minutes, can be scheduled online, enhancing convenience for parents. Each screening utilizes a 12-lead ECG and is conducted under the scrutiny of a board-certified pediatric cardiologist, resulting in a comprehensive understanding of the child's heart health. Reports will be sent directly to families, enabling them to complete any necessary athletic clearance paperwork.
"Our goal is to make preventive heart screening accessible, ensuring that all children, irrespective of their community's medical resources, can undergo an ECG. We hope for Quest Diagnostics to extend this program statewide, benefiting families across Florida," expressed Mr. Maccarone, the Board Chairman of Who We Play For, emphasizing the initiative's community health impact.
Dr. Bhavya Trivedi from Unless Health noted the significance of expert interpretation in these screenings, stating, "Many serious heart conditions can be detected through a simple, pain-free ECG before any symptoms manifest. This program not only prioritizes the safety of young athletes but also enables them to engage in sports with confidence."
Myelai's CEO, Ryan Bailey, highlighted the importance of a seamless process for families, illustrating the partnership model between schools, clinics, laboratories, and cardiologists. "What we are creating in Tampa could serve as a blueprint for other states eager to follow in Florida's footsteps," he remarked.
What Families Need to Know
- - All first-time high school student-athletes in Florida will require an ECG heart screening to participate in their sports, with a validity of two years.
- - Screenings can be booked online at Quest Diagnostics in Tampa. [Booking Link]
- - Appointments are relatively quick, taking approximately ten minutes, and results are reviewed by certified pediatric cardiologists with direct communication to families for athletic clearance.
About the Organizations
Who We Play For is dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac death among the youth, offering affordable ECG screenings and community outreach programs.
Unless Health provides specialized ECG interpretation tailored for adolescents, ensuring accurate assessments for youth cardiac screenings.
Myelai specializes in operational strategies that enhance program delivery, contributing significantly to this initiative while headquartered in Melbourne, Florida.
Topics Health）
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