A Florida high-school athlete who appeared healthy and had no symptoms was found to have a potentially life-threatening congenital heart defect through a compulsory ECG screening. The case highlights how cardiac screening may identify hidden conditions in young athletes before they lead to serious incidents during sport.

The screening was required under Florida’s Second Chance Act, which took effect on 1 July before the 2026–27 school year. The law requires pupils in years 9 to 12 to have at least one electrocardiogram when first participating in, or trying out for, interscholastic athletics, subject to some exceptions.