However, 72% of Americans don’t believe they are at risk for heart disease. *
(according to the American Heart Association)
Study Insights: Heart Health in the NFL Alumni Community
The recent HUDDLE study, presented at American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2024, highlights significant findings:
We recruited nearly 500 eligible National Football League (NFL) Alumni, coaches, and extended family to participate in 8 heart health screening events across the country.
The HUDDLE Study aimed to examine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated risk factors in an understudied population, often considered healthy because they are athletes, and quantify the knowledge gap as well as engage in education and identify opportunities for screening.
A substantial gap was found between the self-reports of CVD by former NFL players and a “surprisingly high” prevalence of hypertension, with a “significant discrepancy between participants’ awareness and observed disease prevalence.”
- Hypertension Awareness: Only 37.5% self-reported having hypertension.
- Actual Findings: 89.8% presented with blood pressure ≥130/80mmHg during screening.
- Structural Abnormalities: Detected in 61.8% (176) of transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) screenings.
- Abnormal ECG Readings: Found in 46.1% (131) participants.
These results enabled immediate treatment for those previously unaware of their cardiovascular risks, potentially preventing future cardiac events.
