New program aims to detect heart defects

TAMPA - There's a new test for Hillsborough County High School students where absolutely no studying is required. Plant High School in Tampa is one of several that will now be participating in the new 'SafeBeat' program.

“It’s a very simple test that is non-invasive,” said Dr. Gul Dadlana, a pediatrician at All Children’s Hospital.

The 'SafeBeat' initiative is an EKG screening program to try and prevent sudden cardiac deaths.

Each year 7,000 children die from sudden cardiac arrest but supporters of this new program hope to bring that number down by offering the free heart screening. It can detect abnormalities, allowing kids to get treatment before it’s too late.

"We are starting with the high school kids -- particularly athletes because there's been some instances where we've lost some children," said Hillsborough County School Board member Carol Kurdell.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer coach Tony Dungy also came out to speak on the new initiative. He says he's witnessed the dangers first hand -- watching a player go into cardiac arrest on the field.

"To be able to get this test, I think it's important. Even if you say, ‘My children have never had any problems.’ You really have to get the EKG to really understand what's going on in the heart," said Dungy.

Most cases of cardiac arrhythmia are treatable and manageable. The problem is detection. That’s what this program is all about.

"Anybody with children -- you want to know and you can prevent something negative from happening and I think that's what this is all about -- prevention. Rather than reacting after the fact," said Dungy.

Parents will have to sign a release form if they want their child to be able to take part in the 10-minute screening. Hillsborough County school leaders are hoping every high school student takes advantage of the program.

"Obviously student achievement is why we are in business but you have to have a healthy student in order to have that student achieve," said Kurdell.

In this case, a passing grade can save a life.

MORE INFO: 'SafeBeat' Program link