Retired NFL Linemen Face Hidden Heart Risks, Study Finds

Retired NFL players, particularly linemen, may be at high risk of undiagnosed, untreated coronary artery disease (CAD) that often occurs without symptoms, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026. The study, which focused on 200 former NFL players enrolled in the GAMEFILM Registry, used coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and Heartflow AI coronary plaque analysis (AI-CPA) to assess plaque buildup.

The findings are striking: coronary plaque was present in 85% of former players, yet only 13% had a known CAD diagnosis before the scan. More than 40% had blockages narrowing at least one artery by more than 50%, and nearly 30% had plaque significant enough to restrict blood flow. Despite these numbers, less than 10% reported chest pain or shortness of breath. “Nearly 9 out of 10 men in this study had plaque in their coronary arteries, 4 in 10 had a significant narrowing, and yet almost none of them experienced any symptoms,” said study co-author Campbell Rogers, M.D., chief medical officer at Heartflow, Inc. “These results are consistent with the fact that 1 in 3 former NFL players dies from heart disease.”

Retired linemen were particularly affected, with more plaque and more severe blockages compared to players in other positions. Researchers compared total plaque volume to an age- and sex-matched group and found former linemen sat above the median, while other positions ranked well below—a statistically significant difference. The study is believed to be the first assessment of coronary plaque in retired professional football players.

The implications extend beyond football. “Plaque can build up in the artery walls for years without affecting blood flow enough to cause symptoms,” said American Heart Association volunteer expert Michael Shapiro, M.D., MPH, FAHA. “So, feeling fine does not necessarily mean the arteries are healthy.” Shapiro emphasized that everyone should pay attention to risk before symptoms appear, know their cholesterol, blood pressure and family history, and seek treatment when needed. This message is reinforced by previous American Heart Association research, such as the finding that Study found artery damage in adults in their 20s, highlighting need for early cardiovascular risk assessment and that More than 40% of adults with no known heart disease had fatty deposits in heart arteries.

For Texas businesses, the study underscores the importance of preventive health measures and access to advanced diagnostic technologies. The use of AI-powered tools like Heartflow’s analysis could become more prevalent in corporate wellness programs, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving employee productivity. The research also highlights the need for updated guidelines, such as the ACC/American Heart Association Issue Updated Guideline for Managing Lipids, Cholesterol, to ensure early detection and management of CAD. As the study’s lead author David Maron, M.D., noted, “When CAD is found early, it is very treatable, often with medication and lifestyle changes rather than a medical procedure.” The next steps in research will explore whether willingness to act translates into treatment, lower cholesterol levels, and fewer heart attacks. For more information, visit heart.org or stroke.org.