Several university athletes have been diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle that can be caused by viral infections such as COVID-19.
According to ESPN, at least five Big Ten athletes have been diagnosed with myocarditis, a rare condition that can lead to heart damage and even cardiac arrest if left untreated. The diagnoses, according to the story, are the reason why leaders across the Big Ten are seriously considering the possibility of not playing football and other fall sports in 2020.
From ESPN:
Conference officials and athletic directors told ESPN that the uncertainty surrounding the long-term effects of myocarditis has been discussed in meetings of presidents and chancellors, commissioners and directors of athletics, and health care board members from the Big Ten, Pac-12 and other conferences the country. Last week, college administrators saw a Facebook post by Debbie Rucker, mother of Indiana offensive lineman Brady Feeney, who wrote that her son was dealing with potential heart problems after fighting COVID-19.
Monday afternoon, Mountain West became the second FBS conference to kick off the football season. The MWC’s decision came after the Mid-American Conference said on Saturday that its teams would not play fall sports by 2020.
Unknown effects of COVID-19
Since COVID-19 is such a new virus, doctors and other health experts have no idea what the long-term effects might be for people who contract the virus and continue to learn things about the coronavirus.
Some limited studies have shown that COVID-19 can cause heart inflammation after someone has contracted the virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, “weak myocarditis weakens your heart so that the rest of your body does not get enough blood. Clots can form in your heart, leading to a stroke like a heart attack.”
Rucker said in her Facebook post that her son had to go to the emergency room because of breathing problems and further tests by the school including an echocardiogram indicated on possible heart problems. As of Friday, he was not reluctant to resume team training.
Houston defensive lineman Sedrick Williams said over the weekend that he would not play in 2020 due to heart problems. He contracted COVID-19 in June.
“As a result of the virus, I have had complications with my heart and I really do not know the outcome or what the future holds for me in the store,” Williams wrote on Facebook. “I just know that my life is more precious to me than football could ever be.”
Schools that do heart tests for players
The story of ESPN noted how multiple schools conducted imperial tests for players who tested positive for COVID-19. Those with myocarditis are recommended not to exercise for three to six months before being removed to resume. If football was played this fall, that means a player who had myocarditis as a result of COVID-19 for whatever reason should not play in 2020.
Dr. Peter Dean, a pediatric cardiologist at the University of Virginia who treats college athletes with MacKnight, co-authored an analysis published last month by the American College of Cardiology on return to playing after an infection with coronavirus. Although he has not been diagnosed with myocarditis in athletes in Virginia who have COVID-19 so far, he said he has had athletes with myocarditis in the past caused by other factors.
‘Most kids I’ve seen [who have myocarditis] had symptoms, ”such as chest pain or palpitations, or they had passed, he said. ‘After they have rested for three to six months, repeat your tests. If it’s all normal, they’s ready to play back. “
The cases of myocarditis are thought to be a reason why Big Ten officials will not dare to play football and other bankrupt sports by 2020 (Charlie Neibergall / AP File)
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