I’ve often wondered about the health of the seemingly larger-than-life pro football players. I mean, some of them are HUGE - over 300 lbs. Now it seems I wasn’t out of line wondering that and many NFL players do have health issues, like high blood pressure (hypertension).

Even the “leaner” players, the runners, receivers and defensive backs are at risk, not just the larger linemen. In fact, 78% percent of the smaller players had either hypertension or pre-hypertension, while 91% of their larger peers did. What’s the average in the general population in that same age group (24 to 35 years)? 30%

You can read more about these interesting findings in the article, NFL players at risk of high blood pressure .

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Image: Newscom.com

The Mayo data showed that 82 percent of NFL players under age 50 had abnormal narrowing and blockages in arteries, compared to the general population of the same age. This finding suggests that the former athletes face increased risk of experiencing high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke.

Very interesting indeed. I guess the bigger the guy the harder they fall kind of thing. When you think about it their bodies have been conditioned most of their lives and then poof… they retire and all that ends. Well, for the most part.

via Mayo Clinic