A simple heart screening can help detect problems before they become major medical issues. We recommend that all student athletes receive an ECG. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, you should seek an ECG screening immediately:

• Compete in high impact sports that increases your heart rate for an extended period

• Have a family history indicating that there is a heart disease risk

• Get dizziness during athletics

• Experience fainting spells or weakness while participating

• Get shortness of breath that does not clear quickly

• Get chest pain while participating

 

This can be completed in your doctor's office during a sports physical exam or during a well child visit. However, the cost of these screenings may not always be covered by insurance and this can be a large concern for most families. 

 

Low cost or even free cardiac screening events are available locally and periodically throughout the year through a local partnership with Pagosa Springs Emergency Medical Services and the non-profit organization Who We Play For. These events are typically held each spring at Pagosa Springs Middle School and during the spring time sports physicals events. 

 

For more information about Who We Play For, please check out their website here.