IU Health Offering Free Heart Screenings for Student Athletes

IU Health Starke Hospital is offering free heart screenings to student athletes on a first-come, first-served basis later this month. Student athletes will be screened with an electrocardiogram and limited echocardiogram. The specialized tests, which take about 15 minutes, help identify any possible structural abnormalities within the cardiovascular system that may lead to premature cardiac arrest, screening organizers said.

A limited number of free screenings will be performed in the first floor Conference Room at IU Health Starke Hospital at 102 E. Culver Road in Knox. Preregistration is required by calling (219) 326-2309. In addition, students must have signed parental consent and not be under the care of a physician for any cardiac-related conditions.

Screenings will be available to area high school students aged 15 or older on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 25 from 8 a.m. to noon; and Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For those unable to attend the free screenings, the “Heart Cart for High Schools” program offers similar screenings through the hospital’s Heart Cart Mobile Screening Unit in partnership with The Foundation. “Heart Cart for High Schools” screenings are offered at a discounted rate of $50. Students will be screened for cholesterol, blood sugar, electrocardiogram and limited echocardiogram. For more information or to schedule, call toll-free (800) 235-6204 ext. 2626.