Spring sports are in full swing and summer leagues are gearing up for kids and young athletes. But when an unknown heart issue is present, this could put your child at risk for cardiac arrest. A cardiac arrest can happen quickly and without warning. In fact, it is reported that a young, competitive athlete dies suddenly every three days in the United States. For young athletes, the risk is twice that of non-athletes. While no youth athlete wants to be taken out of the game, a simple, non-invasive test called an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) can help save lives and provide life-changing medical insight for a child’s overall health and future. Read on as WakeMed pediatric cardiologist Jason Ho, MD, answers our questions about EKG screenings.

What is an EKG? An EKG is a simple, painless, and non-invasive test that records heart rate and rhythm. It’s basically an electronic snapshot of the heart’s activity.

Who can and should participate in a screening? Any child can participate in an EKG screening. Those with a family history of cardiac issues should consider having their child screened. In addition, those participating in athletics, such as team sports or other individual athletic activities, should consider screening. Ideally, every child should undergo some form of clinical consultation before participating in athletics to discuss any symptoms and family history. Those with concerning findings are then referred for additional screening which involves an EKG.

Why do you recommend screening for young athletes? The risk of sudden cardiac arrest for young athletes is twice that of non-athletes. For this reason, parents play a vital role in ensuring their child or children are screened. “We are potentially able to catch unknown heart health concerns in athletes and guide them to additional testing, treatment, and possibly life-saving procedures,” says Dr. Jason Ho.

What will happen at an EKG screening? It’s pretty quick and easy. Electrodes are placed on the patient’s skin to measure and record the heart’s electrical activity, which only takes a few minutes. “If we find anything of concern, we can do additional testing and provide a physician referral for the child,” explains Dr. Ho.

What should parents and kids know before an EKG screening? Parents and youths do not need to do anything to prepare for the screening. It does not take much time, and there is no reason to be overly worried. The results for most kids are normal, and the screening gives families a little extra peace of mind. However, the screenings can potentially catch previously unknown heart health concerns before a life-threatening situation occurs for a young athlete. There are often no symptoms despite the existence of a heart health condition that needs to be addressed, so these screenings can help prevent serious cardiac events and save lives.

If you’re considering an EKG for your child, reach out to your primary care provider or pediatrician. Dr. Ho also notes the importance of regular well-child visits and sports physicals as well as learning CPR and basic rescue skills. CPR can double or triple a person’s chances of survival – starting CPR as soon as possible is crucial. Organizations like Wake County EMS, the American Heart Association, the YMCA, WakeMed, and others offer CPR training classes throughout the year.