Martin Dreyfuss
•6/25/2026
Florida will become the first state in the nation to require electrocardiogram (EKG) screenings for high school athletes under the Second Chance Act, starting with the 2026–27 school year.
The law is named in honor of Chance Gainer, a Florida high school football player who died from sudden cardiac arrest during a game.
It aims to prevent similar tragedies through early screening and detection. Florida has more than 300,000 high school student-athletes, making it one of the top states for athletic participation.
Dr. Sal Anzalone, director of pediatrics for Healthcare Network, said the Second Chance Act is about giving student-athletes a second chance before a hidden heart condition becomes a life-threatening emergency.
An EKG is a noninvasive test that checks the heart’s electrical activity or rhythm. It helps doctors see how the heart is beating and whether the rhythm is normal.
The test involves placing small adhesive sensors on the chest, arms, and legs to measure electrical signals. It is quick, painless, and typically takes just a few minutes to complete.
The screenings will be required for incoming ninth-grade student-athletes and students in grades 10–12 who have never previously participated in a sport sanctioned by the Florida High School Athletic Association.
Dr. Anzalone explained that many serious heart conditions don’t cause symptoms until the heart is under intense physical stress.
“For student-athletes, sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death. In fact, one out of every 300 young people has an undiagnosed heart condition, of which around 80% have no symptoms,” he said. “In many cases, sudden cardiac arrest is the first sign that a heart condition exists.”
Cost and transportation may create barriers for some families, but nonprofits like Healthcare Network and Who We Play For are offering free screenings through mobile unit pop-up events.
Families can also contact their child’s primary care provider or visit the nonprofit's website to find a heart screening near them for a low-cost option.
