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 event, which will be held at Delmar Fieldhouse, will be held on from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, August 3. 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.

“We were inspired by other districts in our area to offer this possibly life-saving program,” HISD Director of Athletics Andre Walker said. “This is an important step to protect our students and provide parents with a little peace of mind.”

EKGs can detect diseases such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition which causes the walls of the heartmuscle 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. To sign up, click here.