Former NFL players at increased heart risk
Published: March 28, 2008 at 12:38 AM
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 28 (UPI) -- Former National Football League players have an increased risk of experiencing high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke, U.S. researchers suggest.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic Arizona group said 82 percent of NFL veterans under age 50 had abnormal narrowing and blockages in arteries, compared to the general population of the same age.
Lead researcher Dr. Robert Hurst, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, said the findings also suggest that players as young as high school age who are engaged in serious competitive-conference level of training and play may benefit from regular cardiovascular screening.
"What we hope to emphasize with our findings is that all NFL players -- retired or not -- need to undergo cardiovascular health evaluation because they may have changes in heart and vessel conditions that we can treat so they don't experience problems later in life," Hurst said in a statement.
Mayo researcher Dr. Bijoy Khandheria said cardiovascular screening is readily available and needs to become a routine part of serious football players' healthcare, beginning at the high school level for those who are engaged in a highly competitive and rigorous level of training and play.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic Arizona group said 82 percent of NFL veterans under age 50 had abnormal narrowing and blockages in arteries, compared to the general population of the same age.
Lead researcher Dr. Robert Hurst, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, said the findings also suggest that players as young as high school age who are engaged in serious competitive-conference level of training and play may benefit from regular cardiovascular screening.
"What we hope to emphasize with our findings is that all NFL players -- retired or not -- need to undergo cardiovascular health evaluation because they may have changes in heart and vessel conditions that we can treat so they don't experience problems later in life," Hurst said in a statement.
Mayo researcher Dr. Bijoy Khandheria said cardiovascular screening is readily available and needs to become a routine part of serious football players' healthcare, beginning at the high school level for those who are engaged in a highly competitive and rigorous level of training and play.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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