In the past months, Medical News Today has reported on a number of studies checking the facts about the long-term significance of concussion in the brains of football players. At present, a new study has changed its focus on heart health, noting that university freshmen who play football linemen positions are at risk for certain heart problems than those who play in different positions.
Lead study author Dr. Jeffrey Lin, a cardiac imaging fellow at Columbia University in New York, NY, recently showed the results at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015 in Orlando, FL. Safety in football is something that has received much focus lately, driven by various studies showing the effect the sport can have on the health of players, especially their brain.
In September, for example, it was reported on a study that determined a brain disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) a condition considered to be induced by repetitive brain injury, cause the 95% of the demise of NFL players. Because of this and other studies, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released new ground rule to boost safety for youths who play football.
Dr. Lin noticed that other research has demonstrated football can have a harmful impact on the brain, with fast rising attention by the National Football League directed to concussions and how to avoid or treat them. Now, we are trying to establish an understanding of football's effect on the structure and function of the heart as well.
To meet their desired result, the team enrolled 87 college football players, 30 of whom were in linemen positions and examined their blood pressure and heart structure at the start of the season and after.
All players were found to have had a normal blood pressure at the start of the season. By season end, however, the researchers noticed nine of the linemen developed high blood pressure, compared with only four of the 57 players in other positions.
What's more is that the researchers noticed footballers who play the linemen positions were more likely to have an increase in the thickness of the heart muscle wall and a significant reduction in subclinical left ventricular function, compared with players which plays other positions.
Dr. Lin explained that there are physiologic differences between football linemen and non-linemen. Non-linemen tend to be quarterbacks and running backs, while linemen tend to be heavier, making them more at risk for increased high blood pressure and thickness of heart muscle, and possibly decreased heart function over time.
