ORLANDO, Florida, Nov. 10, 2015 -- College freshmen who play football linemen positions may face a greater risk of specific heart problems than other players, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Session 2015.
Researchers analyzed the effect of playing American football on the heart in 87 college athletes from pre-season to post-season and found:
- an increase in systolic blood pressure;
- an increase in heart muscle wall thickness with a relative decrease in subclinical left ventricular function; and
- that these functional and structural changes varied by player field position.
"The most dramatic change is the increase in the incidence of high blood pressure, particularly in the linemen who also have an increased mass of muscle wall and a relative decrease in heart function compared to non-linemen," said Jeffrey Lin, M.D., study lead author and former cardiology fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
No players in the study had high blood pressure at the beginning of the season. However, by season's end, nine of the 30 linemen developed it compared to only 4 of the 57 non-linemen.
"There are physiologic differences between football linemen and non-linemen," said Lin, who is now a cardiac imaging fellow at Columbia University in New York City. "Non-linemen tend to be quarterbacks and running backs. Linemen tend to be heavier, making them at higher risk for increased high blood pressure and thickness of heart muscle, and potentially decreased heart function over time."
Since 2006, Lin and Massachusetts General Hospital colleagues have been studying the physiology of the heart and changes in its structure on freshman athletes.
"Other research has demonstrated football can have a negative impact on the brain, with increasing attention by the National Football League directed to concussions and how to prevent or treat them," Lin said. "Now, we are developing an understanding of football's impact on the structure and function of the heart as well."
According to Lin, there are similarities between high school football players, college players, and professional players. Previous data reported that the prevalence of resting hypertension in NFL and college players ranges from 14 percent to 19 percent.
###
Co-authors are James DeLuca, B.S.; Frances Wang M.D.; Brank Berkstresser, ATC; Meagan Wasfy, M.D.; Adolph Hutter, M.D.; Rory Weiner, M.D.; and Aaron Baggish, M.D. Author disclosures are on the abstract.
Additional Resources:
- Any available downloadable video/audio interviews, B-roll, animation and images related to this news release are on the right column of the release link at http://newsroom.heart.org/news/college-football-linemen-face-greater-risk-of-heart-problems?preview=b3de7c7bcc1151cc3866f181f7b591aa
- Video clips with researchers/authors of the studies will be added to the release link after embargo.
- For more news from the AHA's Scientific Sessions 2015 follow us on Twitter @HeartNews #AHA15.
Statements and conclusions of study authors that are presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect association policy or position. The association makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at http://www.heart.org/corporatefunding.
For Media Inquiries and AHA Spokesperson Perspective:
AHA News Media in Dallas: (214) 706-1173
AHA News Media Office, Nov. 7-11, 2015
at the Orange County Convention Center: (407) 685-5401
For Public Inquiries: (800) AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and strokeassociation.org
Life is why, science is how . . . we help people live longer, healthier lives.