Key result
Former NFL players demonstrated comparable cardiovascular profiles and decreased mortality compared to community controls, despite 90% of former players being overweight or obese.
Why the study?
The impact of former-player status on long-term cardiovascular health in retired NFL players had not yet been elucidated.
Does former NFL player status affect cardiovascular health and mortality compared to community controls?
Systematic Review
Does former NFL player status affect cardiovascular health and mortality compared to community controls?
Despite a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, former NFL players appear to have comparable or more favorable metabolic profiles and decreased mortality compared to community controls.
Former NFL players may warrant standard CV risk assessment despite obesity; extends observational data but leaves mechanisms and causality open.
OBJECTIVE: Despite robust research endeavors exploring post-play health implications in former NFL players, the impact of former-player status on long-term cardiovascular health has not yet been elucidated. The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the available research on the cardiovascular health in former NFL players. METHODS: Relevant studies were included from the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. Studies were evaluated in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers conducted the title/abstract screenings and risk of bias determinations. The results of the studies were extracted for inclusion in the review. RESULTS: Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. Though evidence was discordant among studies, former NFL players appeared to possess more favorable metabolic profiles and decreased mortality compared to community controls. Of note, 90% of former players were found to be overweight or obese. CONCLUSION: Though cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among former NFL players, they possess comparable metabolic and cardiovascular profiles to community controls. Further research is necessary to ascertain the impact of NFL play on cardiovascular health and develop tailored preventative care strategies for former players.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Sisk et al. (2024) conducted a systematic review in Cardiovascular disease. Former NFL player status vs. Community controls was evaluated on Cardiovascular health, metabolic profiles, and mortality. Former NFL players demonstrated comparable cardiovascular profiles and decreased mortality compared to community controls, despite 90% of former players being overweight or obese.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: