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Playing It Safe: Protecting Young Athletes’ Hearts

  • 3 minute read.
  • Last Updated: 1/29/2026

Youth sports offer tremendous benefits. They are a fun way for kids and teens to build strength, confidence, and teamwork. But as young athletes push their limits, it’s essential to prioritize heart health. Taking simple proactive steps can help prevent rare but serious cardiac events in children and teens. 

Understanding the Risks

While most young athletes are healthy, some may have undiagnosed heart conditions that increase their risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) during intense exercise. These can include: 

According to the Children’s Heart Institute, SCA is the leading cause of death on school campuses. These incidents claim the lives of approximately 2,000 children each year. Alarmingly, up to 72% of young people who experienced SCA had warning signs that were overlooked. 

Heat and Heart Health in East Tennessee

In regions like East Tennessee, high heat and humidity can further strain the cardiovascular system. Exertional heat illness, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, can elevate heart rate, reduce blood volume, and impair circulation. All these stressors increase the risk of cardiac events.  

Even mild dehydration can impair performance and cardiovascular function. Preparing athletes for safe play in all conditions, not just in summer, is essential. 

Know the Warning Signs

While rare, warning signs of potential heart issues in young athletes should never be ignored. Symptoms include: 

  • Chest pain or discomfort during exercise 
  • Unexplained shortness of breath 
  • Fainting or dizziness during activity 
  • Racing or irregular heartbeat 
  • Family history of sudden cardiac death or inherited heart conditions 

If your child has experienced any of these symptoms, or if you have concerns, talk to your primary care provider before they return to sports.  

Take Preventive Steps

The American Heart Association (AHA) and many state athletic associations recommend a pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE). Often called a “sports physical,” this includes a detailed personal and family history and physical exam. These exams can help identify potential red flags for cardiac risk. While not all states mandate ECGs, some experts advocate for their inclusion in high-risk cases as they can detect electrical abnormalities missed by physical exams alone. 

Practical Tips for Every Season

  • Hydrate early and often—before, during, and after activity 
  • Acclimate gradually to heat and humidity 
  • Watch for signs of heat illness such as confusion, muscle cramps, or excessive fatigue 
  • Ensure teams have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). AEDs can increase survival rates to over 90 percent when used within the first minute of cardiac arrest. 

“Family history can play a major role in our evaluation of symptoms such as syncope (fainting), chest pain, and shortness of breath in young adults and teens,” said interventional cardiologist Briana Costello, MD, FSCAI. “Another sign that something may be wrong is if your child seems to have a hard time keeping up with peers. Know your history and don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help or evaluation. When we all work together—families, coaches, and healthcare providers—we give young athletes the best chance to thrive both on and off the field.” 

Covenant Health is here to help keep East Tennessee’s young athletes safe and strong. If you have questions about your child’s heart health or want to schedule a sports physical, talk to one of our Primary Care Providers or visit Covenant Health Urgent Care. Our urgent care centers provide convenient sports and camp physical exams seven days per week for just $25. Walk in or save your spot online today.  

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