The sudden passing of Bears defensive end Gaines Adams to cardiac arrest caused by an enlarged heart caused many people to wonder if anything could have been done to prevent it.
The NFL is looking closely at the issue.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that the NFL
Cardiovascular Committee is discussing whether to make echocardiograms (or ECHO)
standard for players, starting in February with the scouting combine.
The league was already examining the question before Adams’ passing.
Currently the echocardiogram is only ordered if there’s a family history problem or if a problem shows up on the EKG test that is administered to the players. The echo is “more invasive and expensive but more complete” than the EKG test according to the Chicago Tribune.
