Higher Cardiovascular Risk Factor Burden Associated With Cumulative Concussion History and Age-Related Differences.

Abstract

Objective: Growing evidence suggests cardiovascular dysfunction represents 1 pathway by which recurrent concussion may lead to adverse long-term outcomes, with earlier onset increasing risk. We investigated the interaction of concussion history and age on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) and the association of CRF with multidomain function across age in former professional football players.

Setting: Survey-data.

Participants: Former National Football League players.

Design: Former players were dichotomized into older (n = 1071; > age 50-years of age) and younger (n = 902; ≤ 50 years of age) age groups. Logistic and linear regression were used to test the interaction of concussion history and age on prevalence of CRFs, and the association of cardiovascular risk factors with functional outcomes across age groups.

Measures: CRFs included the following: hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Clinical outcomes from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System included Depression, Anxiety, Cognitive Function, and Emotional and Behavioral Dyscontrol. Logistic and linear regression tested the interaction of concussion history and age on prevalence of CRFs, and the association of cardiovascular risk factors with functional outcomes across age groups.

Results: Significant concussion history by age interactions were observed for hypertension and hyperlipidemia, ( P 's < .001), with greater number of prior concussions being associated with higher rates of diagnoses for younger former athletes only. A greater prevalence of sleep apnea with higher concussion history was observed regardless of age ( P < .001). Significant age by hypertension and hyperlipidemia interactions were observed on clinical outcomes, with higher symptom endorsement among those with CRF in younger former players ( P' s < .001).

Conclusion: Given higher rates of diagnoses at earlier ages, findings support cardiovascular health as representing one pathway by which recurrent concussion may lead to adverse long-term outcomes in former contact sport athletes. A clinical preventative approach including early screening and management of CRF in those with greater history of concussion should be considered.