Few parents have their teen evaluated for heart disease, according to a recent survey from the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.¹

A prompt response is vital for survival following sudden cardiac arrest. However, the poll of parents of teens aged 13 to 17 years indicated only 14% had their teen assessed for heart disease. This was most often performed during a sports physical. Additionally, 7% expressed a belief that heart health evaluation is not necessary in teens.

“Parents may want to learn more about the cardiac emergency training provided at their teen’s school, including how the school will support students who witness a sudden cardiac arrest, as well as the availability of training for parents and community members,” wrote investigators.

Parental views on screening and risk factors

Of respondents, 48% reported hearing about someone aged under 18 years having cardiac arrest, with 38% believing all teens should be evaluated for heart disease. In comparison, 55% believe teens should only be evaluated if they have a risk factor.

Alongside determining parents’ views about screening for teens, the poll also collected information about preparation for cardiac emergencies at school. Forty-eight percent of parents said there was an automated external defibrillator (AED) onsite at their teen’s school, but only 41% of this group knew where the device was located.

Additionally, only 37% were extremely confident that the school staff was trained and ready to use the AED if a student entered cardiac arrest. Sixty percent of parents of teens whose schools did not have an AED believed there should be one on-site.

Only 39% of parents were trained to use an AED, but 59% expressed they were willing, and 30% possibly willing to receive training if it were offered for free. Ninety-seven percent would be willing to use an AED in an emergency after training, but 18% would only be willing if no one else were available.

Willingness to receive CPR training and for teen aid

Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was reported by 63% of parents, though 68% would be interested in free CPR training, and 25% would be possibly interested. While 99% would be willing to offer CPR during an emergency after training, 22% stated they would only be willing if no one else were available.

Training in CPR was also reported for 22% of teens, and training to use an AED for 7%. Ninety-three percent of parents would want their teen to give aid if trained, but 34% would only want their teen to do so if there was no one else available. There were 4 primary concerns from parents about their teens providing emergency services, including:

• The teen feels guilty if the person died (63%)
• Too much pressure on the teen (51%)
• Legal liability (50%)
• Doing it wrong (39%)

Public health implications

Investigators highlighted the public health implications of these findings. Sudden cardiac arrest is reported in thousands of school children per year in the United States, with low survival rates. This highlights the need for careful planning and implementation of a timely and appropriate response to prevent mortality.

“When a teen experiences sudden cardiac arrest, there often are other students nearby,” wrote investigators. “Preparing students to respond promptly will improve the likelihood of survival.”

ECG screening and legislative action

In response to the prevalence of cardiac complications among youths, electrocardiogram (ECG) testing has been highlighted as a method of identifying hidden cardiac conditions.² The implementation of ECG testing for high school athletes in Florida was highlighted by Peace Madueme, MD, chief of cardiology at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando.

According to Madueme, identifying even a few cases can be lifesaving. ECG screening was made necessary for high school students during a pre-sport physical by The Second Chance Act, signed into law in 2025. This will allow for increased detection of asymptomatic conditions that would have previously gone unnoticed.

“I think how this goes in Florida will probably help with the rest of the nation in terms of whether this is something that can be done economically and logistically and without too much impact on the patients in terms of missing sports,” said Madueme.

References

1. Preventing sudden cardiac death in teens. C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. February 16, 2026. Accessed February 18, 2026. https://mottpoll.org/reports/preventing-sudden-cardiac-death-teens?utm_source=National+Poll+on+Children%27s+Health+List&utm_campaign=fdb6ad3f1e-CardiacEmergencies_021626&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ba6e5a0194-fdb6ad3f1e-452286916
2. Madueme P. Using ECGs to identify heart conditions in youth athletes, with Peace Madueme, MD. Contemporary Pediatrics. October 16, 2025. Accessed February 18, 2026. https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/using-ecgs-to-identify-heart-conditions-in-youth-athletes-with-peace-madueme-md