Thousands of Houston Independent School District middle and high school student-athletes will be offered free electrocardiograms (EKGs) during a first-time HISD event aimed at detecting heart defects in young people, possibly preventing a fatal cardiac event.
The test will also be offered to cheerleaders, band, drill team, and dance team members, as well as any other students involved in similar extracurricular activities.
EKGs can detect diseases such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition which causes the walls of the heart muscle to thicken. The disease can be fatal.
At the event, student-athletes will undergo the non-invasive medical test at no charge at HISD’s Delmar Fieldhouse. EKGs normally cost about $50. The test takes about 10 minutes. Results will be available on the day of the event and resources and referrals will be provided to students who may need them.
Students should bring their ID and need to sign up in advance.
WHO: HISD Director of Health and Medical Services Gwendolyn Johnson; Athletic Director Andre’ Walker; Various medical personnel; HISD middle and high school student-athletes, parents, coaches and staff
WHEN: Saturday, August 3 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
WHERE: Delmar Fieldhouse, 2020 Mangum Road, 77092