Florida mandates EKGs for high-school athletes, but the new law may cause stress and cost

Florida has become the first state to require electrocardiograms for high‑school athletes before they can participate in sports. The law is intended to screen for hidden heart conditions that could lead to sudden cardiac events during exercise.

The author, a medical student, recounts her own experience after being told she needed an EKG to join her varsity crew team. An initial test flagged a possible abnormality, leading to additional testing, a hospital visit, and a sizable out‑of‑pocket bill despite ultimately being cleared to compete.

She argues that the mandate creates unnecessary anxiety and financial burden for families, and suggests that schools should explore less invasive and costly ways to protect student athletes.