AI-powered heart assessments of NFL veterans could help cardiologists tackle CVD
HeartFlow, the California-based healthcare company known for its advanced artificial intelligence (AI) software, has partnered with Denver’s Boone Heart Institute to launch a new registry focused on gathering heart data from retired NFL players.
The GAMEFILM registry will be used to gather AI-enabled coronary CT angiography (CCTA) assessments performed using HeartFlow’s FDA-cleared FFRCT and Plaque Analysis technologies. The goal is to gain a better understanding of the health risks professional athletes face during and after their playing careers.
“While up to one in three retired professional football players die of cardiovascular disease, much remains unknown about the prevalence of risk factors and severity of disease among these former high-performing athletes,” Jeffrey L. Boone, MD, founder and medical director of the Boone Heart Institute, said in a prepared statement.
Retired NFL players Joel Dreessen and Le-Lo Lang, who both played multiple seasons with the Denver Broncos, are among the first athletes participating in this nationwide registry.
“More than 50% of people who die from coronary artery disease have no prior diagnosis or testing, underscoring the importance of getting a clear picture of your heart health to understand and try to prevent heart attacks and death,” Dreessen said. “Participating in the GAMEFILM Registry is an important step toward better understanding our heart health and addressing the unique cardiovascular risks we face as retired professional athletes.”
“Better, more specific insights, while certainly beneficial for my health, could also ultimately help protect the heart health of generations to come,” added Lang.
John Farquhar, HeartFlow’s president and CEO, is a former NFL player himself.
“We are proud to initiate the GAMEFILM Registry to help identify at-risk patients using HeartFlow’s CAD diagnosis and management technology,” he said. “I’m optimistic that through this effort we can help other NFL alumni gain valuable insights into their heart health.”
Click here to view a recent webinar about HeartFlow’s advanced AI software.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.