'There's No Excuse' for Athletes to Not Have This Screening

"There's no excuse." 

Braelen Bridges' journey from aspiring college basketball player to facing a potentially career-ending diagnosis underscores the critical importance of cardiac screening in sports.

When he joined the University of Georgia (UGA), Bridges underwent the school's mandatory cardiac screening, only to discover he had an enlarged aorta, a condition that could have dire consequences if left untreated.

"It really made me think about, like, stopping playing… just questioning if I want to play again."

Recent events involving athletes like Damar Hamlin and Bronny James have spotlighted the need for thorough cardiac evaluations, especially among Black athletes who are statistically at higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

Dr. Jonathan Drezner, a leading figure in sports cardiology, notes that young Black male basketball players face a 1 in 2,000 chance of sudden cardiac arrest, a stark comparison to their White counterparts' 1 in 5,000 risk.

What Drezner hopes is that all the players on the court have had extensive cardiac screening.

“There’s no excuse.”

The discrepancy has prompted experts to push for comprehensive cardiac screenings, combining family history, physical exams, and advanced diagnostic tools like ECGs and echocardiograms.

UGA's proactive approach, including ECG and echocardiogram screenings for all student-athletes since 1995, exemplifies the evolving landscape of athlete healthcare. Bridges' case, identified through such measures, illustrates the life-saving potential of early detection.

Despite the scare, advancements in understanding and managing cardiac conditions have allowed athletes like Bridges to continue their careers, albeit with necessary adjustments to their training and lifestyle.

The debate over the necessity and scope of cardiac screenings highlights broader issues of accessibility and expertise.

Dr. Fred Reifsteck, UGA's head team physician, and Dr. Jonathan Kim, a sports cardiologist, emphasize the importance of accurate family history knowledge and the presence of AEDs, trained CPR personnel, and emergency action plans as essential components of athlete safety.

As screenings become more common, the goal remains not just to protect athletes on the field but to ensure their long-term health and wellbeing.

Bridges' story, from his diagnosis at UGA to his professional career in Melbourne, serves as a powerful testament to the importance of cardiac care in sports. It's a narrative that advocates for a future where comprehensive screenings and informed care are standard practice, safeguarding athletes' dreams and lives.

Read the full story on CNN.