Florida is the first state to require EKGs for high school athletes. It’s a mistake
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By
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Katherine Hofmann
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June 30, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Florida Becomes the First State to Mandate EKGs for High School Athletes: A Potential Misstep
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Electrocardiogram (EKG) Screening in High School Athletes |
| Key Mechanisms | Screening for potential heart problems to prevent sudden cardiac death. |
| Target Population | High school athletes in Florida. |
| Care Setting | School-based health policy and sports participation. |
Key Highlights
- Florida mandates EKGs for high school athletes starting 2026-2027.
- False-positive rates for EKGs can reach 15% in healthy adolescents.
- Costs of follow-up testing can be substantial and not fully covered by insurance.
- Sudden cardiac death in young athletes is rare, occurring in 1 in 70,000.
- Leading cardiovascular organizations do not support universal EKG screening.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Targeted screening based on personal and family history and physical exam.
Management
- Provide access to automated external defibrillators and CPR training.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitor for false-positive results and ensure appropriate follow-up.
Risks
- Financial burden and stress from unnecessary follow-up testing.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Adolescents participating in high school sports.
Costs and access to care may disproportionately affect lower-resource backgrounds.
Clinical Best Practices
- Implement strong pre-participation evaluations.
- Enhance access to emergency medical equipment at sports events.
- Train coaches and staff in CPR.
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