NFL player Damar Hamlin has been cleared by medical specialists to resume football activities after suffering a cardiac arrest in January. According to the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, athletes who have been resuscitated from commotio cordis may return to playing if no underlying cardiac abnormalities are discovered through testing. Hamlin likely underwent a series of tests before doctors cleared him to return to training.
According to the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, athletes who have been resuscitated from commotio cordis may return to playing if no underlying cardiac abnormalities are discovered through testing. Hamlin likely underwent a series of tests, including electrocardiograms and echocardiograms, before doctors cleared him to return to training.
Tests and Clearing
CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta explained that the clearing process involved a thorough examination of Hamlin’s heart function, anatomy, and electrical activity. “What it basically means is that his heart function returned to normal,” said Dr. Gupta. “He has no underlying problems with the anatomy of the heart itself, and he has no underlying electrical problems.”
Return to Football
Hamlin has been participating in voluntary offseason workouts at the Bills’ practice facility in Orchard Park, New York. He has also announced his comeback to the NFL, stating that his heart is still in the game.
The Buffalo Bills organization has expressed support for Hamlin’s return to football. General Manager Brandon Beane stated, “He’s fully cleared… He’s here.” Beane also praised Hamlin’s mental state, saying that he is in a great headspace to come back and make his return.
Background on Cardiac Arrest
Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after making a tackle during the first quarter of the Bills’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2. He was resuscitated on national TV, and the incident has had a profound impact on him and those close to him.
“I died on national TV in front of the whole world,” Hamlin said in his first session with reporters since the injury. “I lost a bunch of people in my life. I know a bunch of people who lost people in their lives. I know that feeling. That right there is the biggest blessing of it all – for me to still have my people and my people to still have me.”
Clearance from Medical Specialists
Hamlin’s clearance was confirmed by three separate specialists over the offseason, who all agreed that he is clear to resume full activities just like anyone else coming back from an injury.
Cardiac Arrest and Commotio Cordis
Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2 after making a tackle and being hit with a helmet in his chest. He was resuscitated from commotio cordis, a condition that occurs when severe trauma to the chest disrupts the heart’s electrical charge and causes dangerous fibrillations.
“I just want to show people that fear is a choice,” Hamlin said. “You can keep going at something without having the answers and without knowing what’s at the end of the tunnel.”
Support from Team
Sources:
- American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology: “Return to Play After Commotio Cordis”
