Laboratory News

NFL Draws Attention to Early Detection of Cardiovascular Disease

It's a well-known fact that heavy-set individuals are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.  Now, comes the discovery that retired National Football League (NFL) lineman-generally the heaviest football players-are more than twice as likely as the general population to have a syndrome that puts them at risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. And that's despite being in shape!

These are the findings from a recent study by the Living Heart Foundation (LHF).  The LHF uses an established nationwide healthcare network to provide technically advanced, voluntary health screenings for active and retired professional football players. This is done at regional participating medical facilities within major geographical areas around the country.

"Professional athletes, who often make their living related to being big and strong, tend to suffer in retirement from the side effects of being so large, including heart disease, sleep apnea, diabetes, high cholesterol, and the Metabolic Syndrome," said Archie Roberts, M.D., founder and director of the LHF, and former NFL quarterback.

Because ultrasound is one of the most widely accepted forms of diagnostic imaging to used evaluate and diagnose cardiovascular disease, Siemens partnered with the LHF by loaning 3 ACUSON Sequoia ultrasound systems to LHF's annual Super Bowl CV screening event.  During the event, which ran between January 31 and February 1 in Scottsdale, AZ, more than 60 former NFL players, including famous retired players Paul Warfield, Marv Fleming, Harry Carson, and Merlin Olson, participated in the screenings.  During screenings, players received a series of tests, including electrocardiograms, cardiac and carotid artery ultrasounds, blood tests, body mass composition, and other analyses. 

Siemens likely joined with LHF in its NFL screenings to solidify an image of expertise in the early diagnosis of disease with the public.  There is great brand recognition that comes with being involved in any NFL-sponsored event.  It is interesting to note that the panel of tests offered through the program involved both in vivo and in vitro testing.  Dark Daily and The Dark Report have regularly reported how several companies, like Siemens, are placing major bets that the future of laboratory testing lies in the effective integration of in vivo and in vitro diagnostics.

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