Power 5 athletes found to have post-coronavirus heart issues

With the uncertainty surrounding college football this season, the primary concern is the health and safety of the players on the field. How can we find a safe and effective way to make sure these athletes are not at risk to catching the coronavirus while playing for their university.

But what about the after-effects of coronavirus?

In an ESPN article, it was reporting that Myocarditis, a rare heart condition that is usually caused from a viral infection, could not only be linked to COVID-19, but has been found in at least five Power 5 student-athletes. If left untreated, Myocarditis can cause heart damage and cardiac arrest, and the coronavirus has been linked to it more than previous diseases such as H1N1 and Mono.

This concern has, for good reason, made the Power 5 schools hesitant in resuming their athletics due to the potential dangers to the very same kids they are supposed to protect.

Indiana offensive lineman, Bradley Feeney is currently dealing with potential heart problems related to Coronavirus.

Some schools have started screening athletes for Myocarditis, and it can be detected by a cardiac MRI.

Drezner said post-COVID-19 cardiac evaluation for his Washington athletes includes: a review of any cardiovascular symptoms in athletes who have had COVID-19, an electrocardiogram — a measure of the heart’s electrical signals — to check for abnormalities, a blood test for troponin proteins that can signal heart inflammation, and a heart ultrasound to measure heart structure and function.

What this means is that every university will also have to monitor post-COVID-19 for their athletes as well, making sure that they are not experiencing any damaging effects on the body.

This is just one of the many reason why no one can decide what decision to make on college football.

On one hand, I understand the need and want for college football.

But on the other, I understand the very real possibility that some athletes will get very sick from coronavirus at the expense of their university.

It’s a slippery slope, but we should know a decision fairly soon.