The Houston Independent School District, through a partnership with St. Joseph Medical Center, Steward Medical Group and Robert Horry Sports Medicine, is offering free electrocardiograms (EKGs) to thousands of middle and high school students.

The screenings will be offered to student-athletes, cheerleaders, band, drill team, and dance team members, as well as any other students involved in similar extracurricular activities. The first–time event is aimed at detecting heart defects in young people, possibly preventing a fatal cardiac event.

EKGs can detect diseases such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition which causes the walls of the heart muscle to thicken. The disease can be fatal.

At the event, students will undergo the non-invasive medical test at no charge, provided by St. Joseph Medical Center and its affiliates. EKGs normally cost about $50. The test takes 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.