LET’S TACKLE HEART DISEASE CAMPAIGN

Edwards Lifesciences, in collaboration with the NFL Alumni Association Health Initiative, cooperated on the HUDDLE study, which focused on evaluating the prevalence of heart disease and related risk factors among NFL alumni and their families. The study was designed to concurrently address a larger issue—disparities in healthcare access, especially for groups historically underserved, such as African Americans. The study was conducted across eight U.S. cities and Legacy Health Strategies partnered with the NFLAH and Edwards to deliver this heart health screening. Information on heart function, heart disease, and tips for heart-healthy life were provided to attendees. Participants also learned how to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack, and the importance of taking immediate action.Those attending the event had time to ask questions of medical professionals and received 2 different non-invasive tests, in addition to getting their blood pressure checked. These tests included an echocardiogram and EKG which gave participants a better understanding of the structure and function of their heart.

The study revealed a troubling disconnect between participant awareness and the actual prevalence of heart disease. Of the 498 former NFL players and family members screened, 83.8% were found to have hypertension, yet only 46.5% had self-reported a history of it. Additionally, 73.8% of those with elevated systolic blood pressure were found to have structural heart changes detected through transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE). These findings highlighted the importance of regular health screenings for detecting undiagnosed heart conditions in this population, particularly since many were unaware of the severity of their health issues. The results of the HUDDLE study were presented at the American College of Cardiology and simultaneously published in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology, calling attention to the critical need for enhanced routine screening and the expanded use of echocardiograms to detect conditions like heart failure in their early stages. The collaboration between Edwards Lifesciences and the NFL Alumni Health Initiative highlighted the power of using high-profile organizations and networks to address public health issues, particularly in underserved communities.