Emmanuel, a 28-year-old football lover, felt his world stop during a local match. Chest pain hit mid-game, landing him in the hospital with arrhythmia from an undiagnosed condition.” Will I ever kick a ball again?” he asked, scared but hopeful as he prayed.
According to new research, people with some heart issues can play competitive sports safely after doctor talks, but the big question is: Can someone with a heart problem play football?
Health Risks of Playing Football
The American Heart Association says athletes with abnormalities like enlarged aortas or certain cardiomyopathies may join if risks are low, not automatic bans like before.
According to the new scientific statement, football raises heart strain 30-50% in intense play, but shared decisions with clinicians check “athlete’s heart” adaptations.
“In the past, there was no shared decision-making about sports eligibility for athletes with heart disease. These athletes were automatically prohibited from participating in sports if almost any cardiac issue was present,” said writing group Chair Jonathan H. Kim, M.D., M.Sc., FACC, an associate professor of medicine and director of sports cardiology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.
What Activities Should be Avoided With Heart Failure?
Consult your doctor first. Based on new evidence, the statement reinforces the importance of pre-participation cardiac screening for school-aged athletes. Health care professionals should begin with the Association’s 14-point evaluation, which includes a physical exam with blood pressure measurement and questions about family and personal health history. An electrocardiogram (ECG) (a test that measures the heart’s electrical activity) is also a reasonable screening for asymptomatic athletes as long as appropriate expertise in athletic ECG interpretation is provided. In addition, equitable resources for subsequent clinical evaluations of abnormal ECGs should be available to all athletes included in the screening program.
Researchers and health care professionals need more information about how athletes with cardiovascular disease progress during continued sports participation, if the sports participation improves or harms their overall health.
Practical Solutions
1. Start slow: Emmanuel started with gentle walks or light jogging with deep breaths and prayer.
2. Avoid Anxiety: Stop worrying, and instead spend time thinking positively, believing you will be hale and hearty again. “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).
Next Steps
As you build strength, be mindful not to engage in sudden sprints. Trust in the Lord for complete and wholesome healing. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). Take our free heart test today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone with a heart problem play football?
Yes, some like mild arrhythmias may be after a doctor’s risk check [AHA, 2025].
What are the health risks of playing football?
High intensity raises arrhythmia or strain risk 30-50% in vulnerable hearts.
What heart problems do athletes have?
“Athlete’s heart,” enlarged aortas, cardiomyopathies, are often safe with monitoring.
Is football good for heart health?
Yes, football is good for healthy hearts; it boosts fitness, but risky if undiagnosed issues.
What triggers most heart attacks?
Sudden intense exercise in those with hidden conditions [AHA].
