Study Highlights Factors That Impact Coronary Artery Calcium Levels in Retired NFL Players

Distinct variations of coronary artery calcium (CAC)-derived coronary artery heart disease (CHD) exist among retired National Football League (NFL) players, according to a study being presented at the American College of Cardiology 73rd Annual Scientific Session & Expo.

In this cross-sectional analysis, researchers analyzed 832 retired NFL players from NFL Player Care Foundation health screening events held between 2015 and 2021. Patients in the population of interest provided information on demographics, health history, and NFL career length and playing position. Researchers obtained and assessed blood pressure, anthropometrics, blood-based biomarkers, and absolute CAC scoring.

The findings showed that non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.06; P=.03) and lipid-lowering medication use (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.11-3.59; P=.02) were correlated with mildly increased risk of CHD. Antihypertensive medication use (OR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.54-6.38; P<.01) was linked to moderately increased risk. Lipid-lowering medication use (OR, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.59-10.29; P<.001) and playing positions in Big (OR, 3.62; 95% CI, 1.24-10.57; P=.02) and Big Skill (OR, 4.43; 95% CI, 1.63-12.01; P<.01) categories were associated with moderate-to-severe risk.

“Our study reveals distinct variations in the determinants of CAC-derived CHD risk categories, highlighting factor-specific contributions within each category among retired NFL players. These findings underscore the need for tailored strategies in cardiovascular disease prevention postretirement,” the researchers concluded.