The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 2,000 people under age 25 die each year from sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) — when the heart suddenly stops beating — is rare. But, says Melissa Diamond, MD, a pediatric cardiologist with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the majority of SCA cases in kids occur while playing sports.

Though not mandatory, many organizations have begun including electrocardiograms (EKGs) in the physicals required for their athletes. EKGs can detect signs of conditions linked to SCA.

“It’s a newer trend to do a screening EKG during a sports physical,” Dr. Diamond says. Previously, you may have seen a cardiologist for an EKG only if there was something in your family history or if you had a symptom.

“EKGs don’t catch everything, and a normal EKG doesn’t necessarily mean your child will never have a heart problem, but EKGs can go a long way toward keeping kids safe.”