Annie Martines never had a clue something might be wrong with her heart.

But several months into a senior year brimming with classes, sports and work, plus an intensifying college search, a routine electrocardiogram hinted that the 18-year-old St. Charles East senior might have a heart abnormality.

Days into the 2011-12 basketball season, the Saints’ team captain and starting guard was abruptly sidelined and her life temporarily turned upside down.

“I was in basketball two weeks, played one game and then I was out,” said Martines, who had an EKG screening at St. Charles East with other students. “I was definitely worried.”

Further tests later determined her heart was healthy, but she said the temporary benching was a small price to pay for the assurance that she’s OK.

St. Charles East is among an increasing number of schools joining with private groups to offer free or low-cost EKG testing. The objective is to catch previously undiagnosed heart problems for treatment and head off more serious conditions early.

Read more at the Chicago Tribune.