Similar to concussion legislation passed in all 50 states, a new Ohio bill takes aim at preventing another serious health condition in student athletes - sudden cardiac arrest.

"Sudden cardiac death in athletes is quite rare.  The incidence is one in 200,000 athletes.  It is much more rare than something like concussion," said cardiologist Dr. Grace Smith with Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley.

Despite it being less common than other conditions, Ohio lawmakers want to increase awareness of sudden cardiac arrest, which happens when the heart unexpectedly stops beating and blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs.

The proposed bill calls for per-participation education, online training for coaches and guidelines for recognizing and dealing with the symptoms, which include dizziness, blackouts, palpitations and family history.

"The most important testing is getting a good family history, a good history and physical from the physician," said Dr. Smith.

Dr. Smith says sudden cardiac arrest in kids is most often caused by the thickening of the heart muscle, something typically picked up on by medical professionals.

While symptoms can be dismissed among student athletes, EKG and ultrasounds can confirm irregularities.   Dr. Smith believes, more important than online training, is the awareness of automated external defibrillators or AEDs.

"Having those devices at arm's reach so that when it is needed, it is readily available and I think that is the most important thing about sudden death or sudden collapse on the sports field," said Dr. Smith.

Nine other states have passed legislation addressing sudden cardiac arrest in youth athletes.