Florida law mandates ECGs, uncovering hidden heart defect in teen athlete

Florida's Second Chance Act, effective July 1, obliges students in grades nine through twelve to receive at least one ECG when they first try out for interscholastic sports, with limited exemptions. During this mandated exam, doctors discovered that Cameron Crider, a sophomore football and basketball player at Calvary Christian High School in Clearwater, has an atrial septal defect, a congenital hole in the wall separating the heart's upper chambers.

The condition can cause strain on the heart and lungs over time, potentially leading to pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, or stroke if left untreated. Crider, who had never experienced fatigue or shortness of breath despite rigorous practice schedules, was surprised by the finding. He is scheduled for surgery in October and is expected to resume one outlet participation next season. His mother described the screening as a "gift from God" and highlighted the importance of early detection, noting that many families only learn of such issues after a tragedy.