Matthew W. Martinez, MD

ATLANTA — A screening study presented at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session showed that there is a high prevalence of unrecognized heart disease among former National Football League players.

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia that increases risk for stroke, HF and dementia. Although AF risk increases with age, it can also occur in young people with normal hearts, sometimes called “lone AF.”

When Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills went into sudden cardiac arrest Jan. 2, 2023, during a “Monday Night Football” game, we were all reminded of the importance of a plan.

The American College of Cardiology Scientific Session featured three late-breaking clinical trials of particular interest to the sports cardiology and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy communities.

National CPR and AED Awareness Week, initiated by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council and designated by Congress in 2007, is held June 1 to 7 of each year.