He will sit out the entire 2020 season
A promising American football star has been diagnosed with a heart condition caused by COVID-19. It means he will miss the entire 2020 season.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Georgie State University quarterback Mikele Colasurdo said:
"Today I was diagnosed with a heart condition as a result of my COVID-19 infection.
"Unfortunately, this means that I will not be able to play this football season. I am very thankful for everyone who has reached out and prayed for me."
Colasurdo also thanked his coaches "for providing a safe environment for us to train and practice."
https://twitter.com/mikelecolasurdo/status/1296456027509002240?s=20
He says the decision to miss the entire 2020 football programme was made after consulting with doctors.
"Ultimately it was the procedures and tests set forth by GSU that allowed the doctors to find this condition in my heart and help keep me safe."
A statement from the Georgia State Athletics board said:
"Georgia State Athletics works with its medical partners to provide the best possible care to its student-athletes. The GSU medical staff regularly reviews the latest information and recommendations about SARS-CoV-2 infection in athletes, including information about cardiac concerns, and implements all relevant evaluation and treatment protocols.
"We believe these protocols are what will keep us safe this season."
Colasurdo did not specify which condition he was suffering from, but many experts have warned young people and athletes as to the dangers of myocarditis.
Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle, and
research has shown that it is just one particular heart condition that can be linked to COVID-19.
According to a cardiologist from Ohio State University, around 10-13% of athletes that test positive for COVID-19 also show signs of myocarditis.
Scientists say that research is still in its early stages. However,
researchers in Germany discovered that 60% of recovering COVID-19 patients had signs of myocardial inflammation.
