Free Student Heart Screenings

Central Texas high school athletes, band members, cheerleaders and anyone participating in strenuous activities can get a free student heart screening through Championship Hearts.

Championship Hearts Foundation screens young athletes, ages 14-18, for a genetic heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This condition, which causes a thickening of the heart wall, typically does not present any symptoms and can lead to obstruction of blood flow and an erratic heartbeat. It is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young people and effects roughly 1 in 500 of the general population.

HCM may be detected through an echocardiogram (picture of the heart). A conventional ECHO in an office with a cardiologist is expensive and usually not covered by most insurance plans. Using a "2-minute" ECHO technique, the screening can be done for a fraction of the cost. This screening is offered at no charge in order to screen all student athletes – including those without insurance.

Screenings typically take approximately five minutes per student and are offered on a "first come, first served" basis; no appointment is needed.

Championship Hearts screenings are facilitated by Championship Hearts Foundation with the help of volunteer cardiologists from Austin Heart, Children’s Cardiology Associates, and Heart & Vascular of Central Texas who donate their time for this important program.

Parental waivers must be signed in order for the student to be screened. Waivers can be found at the bottom of this page.   

Student should wear loose fitting clothing (girls should wear a sports bra and loose top).

Championship Hearts is a free program. However, a suggested contribution of $25 is appreciated. Championship Hearts Foundation is committed to reducing cardiovascular disease in Central Texas through education, awareness, and life-saving technology. Monies received through this program will fund future screenings and other Foundation projects.

In order to participate in the CHAMPIONSHIP HEARTS Screening, all athletes MUST have the following Parent Waiver completed. You may download, print, and complete the following two forms and bring them to your screening.

Forms will also be available at the screening. No appointment is necessary. The screening is free, however a $25 contribution is suggested.

• Parent Consent/Patient Release Waiver Form
  English
  Spanish
• Authorization and Consent to Photograph, Record Interview and Publish
  English
  Spanish
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