Why Teen Football Players Might Need Life Line Screenings

By Author: Kaycee Bishop
Total Articles: 24
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While most health articles and resources would stress that the chance of stroke is often high in adults particularly those who live an unhealthy lifestyle (excessive eating and lack of physical activities), a new study from the Journal of Child Neurology stated that age nor exercise may still not save one from this fatal condition. According to this published research, teenagers who play football may as well be at risk. Given this, it is most likely that teenagers should also go under life line screenings.

The study from the Indiana University School of Medicine is a series of case studies conducted among three teen football players who suffered from stroke. Finding revealed that the three identified factors particularly obtained from playing football, and were seen to have increased the possibility of experiencing stroke. The mentioned factors include hyperventilation, repeated brain injuries, anabolic steroids, high caffeinated energy drinks, and obesity. Despite the fact that these players are active, there are still cases of obesity which is then linked to another risk factor, high blood pressure or hypertension. ...
... As a matter of fact, two of the cases had mild hypertension.

Additionally, the research revealed that the fact that the interest in playing football begins at an early age, the chances of getting repeated brain injuries are very high. The chance of getting a stroke can also be related to the fact that the body mass index of young football players continues to swell. Moreover, the research suggests further studies to determine how strong impacts among young players followed by brain injuries can have an effect on their young central nervous system.

Life Line Screenings for Teens

Stroke can come at any age. This is why being a teen cannot be an excuse for not taking the exam. For teens who match the teens’ profile mentioned in the research cited above, it would be advisable if you can undergo life line screenings particularly carotid artery/stroke screening.

This procedure is quite simple and is non-invasive. Since most teens would be afraid, it will be a relief for them to know that the procedure is painless. The aim of this medical exam is to see images of the carotid arteries and inspect the rate of blood flow inside them. The medical technologist will just have to perform a sort of ultrasound to the neck to determine these. Through Doppler color flow ultrasound technology, you can see how much blood flows through the carotid arteries and detect if there is a plaque build up in the vessels. If there is, it is also possible to know the amount of blockage. Through this too, one can understand whether the speed of blood flow is within a normal range or within the risky range.

Although life line screenings like this are highly suggested for those aged over 40 or 50, one who is younger can still choose to take just to ensure his safety from conditions like atrial fibrillation and reduce his fear of possibly experiencing stroke.