Disqualified by Hypertropohic Cardiomyopathy
Congenital Condition will Keep Athlete from Competing for USC
Incoming freshman linebacker Frankie Telfort was recently diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a congenital heart condition (Los Angeles Times, July 30, 2009). The article announced that the diagnosis will prevent Telfort from competing in the USC football program, but that USC will continue to honor Telfort’s scholarship.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes (Foundations of Athletic Training, 2009). In this condition, the wall of the left ventricle becomes thickened leading to electrical problems and abnormal rhythms. These rhythms can include a fatal condition known as ventricular fibrillation.
Basic Heart Physiology
In a normal heart rhythm, the two upper chambers of the heart (atrium) contract moving the blood into the two lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). The ventricles then contract either moving the blood into the lungs (from the right ventricle) or into the body (from the left ventricle).
The rhythm of the heart is controlled by the atrioventricular node (AV node). The AV node is an electrical relay signal that begins in the right atrium and moves throughout the heart muscle to trigger the contractions of the other chambers.
Hypertrophic Cardomyopathy
The danger of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is that the electrical relay system of the heart is compromised causing the lower larger chambers of the heart to “flutter” rather than contract. When the chambers “flutter”, blood is trapped in the ventricles and very little if any blood is transported to the body.
When this occurs, the individual will collapse with possible sudden cardiac death soon following if immediate intervention is not provided. Immediate medical intervention is needed to reset the electrical system of the heart. This may include the use of an automated external defibrillater (AED). An AED can effectively restart the electrical rhythm of the heart.
Because this condition is known as a “silent killer” (there may be no symptoms present prior to a fatal collapse), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of several medical conditions in which team physicians will disqualify athletes from participating in sports if diagnosed.
When an Athlete Fights a Medical Disqualification
An athlete will often times fight the physician’s diagnosis and search to find a physician to release the athlete to compete. Some parents have also gone to extreme measures to allow their children to continue to compete (against the advice of the medical staff) going to the lengths of seeking legal help to formulate signed documents holding the university “not liable” in the event that the athlete sustains further injury.
In a time when the welfare and health of athletes is at times sacrificed for the business of sports, it is encouraging to see a high caliber program put the value of an athlete ahead of the program. It is also a good gesture for the university to follow through with their original scholarship offer to the athlete.
As difficult for the athlete and the athlete’s family to hear the diagnosis and the consequences of the diagnosis, this young man can move forward preparing for a career thanks to the generosity of the USC football program and pursue his college degree.
EKG strip
|
What do you think about this article?
Comments
More in Health & Wellness
Latest Articles