Orange County, CA – December 13, 2024 – On December 7th, 2024, Cardiac Insight and Who We Play For hosted the inaugural #OCHasAHeart free heart screening event, bringing together young athletes, families, and professional sports stars to raise awareness about heart health and early detection. Held at Reidt Fitness Systems from 10 AM to 3 PM, the event provided free comprehensive heart screenings while offering attendees a chance to meet and interact with professional athletes.
The event featured star athletes Matt McLain (shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds), Tony Gonsolin (pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers), Tanner Bibee (pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians), and Connor Seabold (pitcher for the Colorado Rockies). These athletes inspired the young attendees by sharing their personal stories, engaging with fans, and emphasizing the importance of heart health.
Matt McLain also took part in the heart screening, testing his own heart using the Cardea 20/20 ECG system, underscoring the significance of this advanced technology. His participation highlighted the importance of proactive heart health in maintaining peak athletic performance.
“Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading medical cause of death in young athletes and arguably in ALL kids, but it is often preventable with early detection,” said Evan Ernst, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Who We Play For. “
The Cardea 20/20 ECG system, trusted by collegiate athletic organizations, including the Southeastern Conference, Ivy League, and University Athletic Association, played a pivotal role in the screenings. Its accuracy and reliability, with the lowest false positive rate in the industry, significantly exceeds that of other products, which can be as high as 30%. Improved accuracy leads to fewer errors that sideline athletes who aren’t really at risk, but the mistaken test results require time and testing to rule out. During the event, 120 young athletes were screened by a team of 25 volunteers from California Baptist University.
“This event underscores our commitment to early detection and prevention, helping to safeguard the lives of young athletes in our communities,” said Roy Kim, President and Chief Growth Officer of Cardiac Insight Inc..
In addition to the screenings, families enjoyed fun activities, participated in a raffle with exciting prizes, and received autographs from the visiting athletes. Special thanks go to Chick-fil-A, which provided delicious lunch meals, and Costco, which supplied beverages, ensuring volunteers were well cared for throughout the day.
“We are grateful to all the volunteers, sponsors, and partners who made this event a success,” said Abby Massey, Senior Director of Sales at Cardiac Insight.
The #OCHasAHeart initiative is part of a broader campaign to provide access to life-saving health resources for young athletes and their families. These free screenings are designed to prevent unexpected tragedies and empower every child to thrive safely in sports and beyond.
For more information about future heart screening events or heart health resources for young athletes, please contact [email protected].
About Cardiac Insight Inc.
Cardiac Insight Inc. is dedicated to developing advanced cardiac care solutions. Their flagship product, Cardea 20/20, is a cutting-edge ECG system designed to deliver accurate and timely ECG interpretation specifically for active youth athletes ages 14 and above. Cardiac Insight’s mission is to enhance patient care through innovative technology and comprehensive support.
About Who We Play For
Who We Play For is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating preventable sudden cardiac death in the young through affordable heart screenings, education, and research. The organization’s mission is to ensure every young person has access to life-saving heart health checks, empowering families to make informed decisions.
About Reidt Fitness Systems
Located in Costa Mesa, CA, Reidt Fitness Systems is the premier training destination for elite high school, college, and professional baseball players. Their state-of-the-art facility is designed to help athletes elevate their performance while prioritizing their health and fitness.
