Is Your Child Ready to Play? Why a Sports Physical with EKG Can Help Keep Them Safe

Young athletes have been in the news lately due to undiagnosed heart conditions, with many ending up in the hospital or worse after participating in sporting events. Before your child joins a sports team next season, make sure they’re heart healthy.

At UHealth Jackson Urgent Care, we offer sports physicals with an electrocardiogram (EKG), a simple test that can help detect serious heart problems.

What’s a sports physical?

A sports physical is a check-up for kids and teens who play sports. It helps make sure their bodies can handle physical activity.

A sports physical includes:

• Reviewing your child’s health history
• Measuring their height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse
• Evaluating their heart, lungs, joints, and muscles
• Testing their vision

Most schools and teams require this check-up before a sports season starts.

Why should you include an EKG in your child’s sports physical?

An EKG is a quick, painless heart test. It shows how your child’s heart is working and can help find issues that a regular exam might miss, including:

• Irregular heartbeats
• Signs of an enlarged heart
• Conditions that can lead to sudden heart problems during activity

“Some serious heart conditions show no symptoms – until it is too late,” said Dr. Madeleen Mas, medical director of pediatric cardiology at UHealth Jackson Children’s Care. “A simple screening like an EKG can detect risks early and help prevent sudden cardiac events in youth athletes.”

You may want your child to get an EKG if:

• They play intense sports
• There’s a family history of heart problems
• You want added peace of mind

Most EKGs come back normal, but the value lies in catching rare conditions early when they can still be treated.

“These screenings are quick, non-invasive, and often just take a few minutes – but the peace of mind they provide to parents is priceless,” Dr. Mas said. “Don’t wait for a scare. I strongly encourage parents to make a heart screening part of a regular health routine for student athletes.”

Now through September 8, UHealth Jackson Urgent Care is offering discounted rates for sports physicals with an EKG. You don’t need an appointment – walk-ins are always welcome.

We have six convenient locations across South Florida, open seven days a week, – including evenings, weekends, and holidays. EKG results are turned around quickly, and our expert urgent care teams will refer your child to a UHealth Jackson Children’s Care cardiologist if they need follow-up care. For more information, visit jacksonurgentcare.com/sports-physicals/.