Former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Reilly recently discovered he was suffering from a heart condition during a routine exam as part of his recovery from a concussion.
The New York Islanders guard suffered a head injury during the November 1 game against the Sabers in Buffalo. On Monday, general manager Lou Lamoriello announced that Reilly was recovered from his concussion, but is expected to be out for several months.
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He has been diagnosed with a heart problem and will need surgery.
“It was detected by the different echocardiograms that you do for different reasons when you are in a post-concussion situation,” explained the CEO at a press conference.
“It’s probably a blessing in disguise,” Lamoriello added. They detected this, something you sometimes have from birth, but never suspect you have.”
Fortunately for Reilly, he will be able to regain his quality of life 100%, specified the leader of the Islanders. His hockey career will be able to continue once he recovers from his time under the knife.
The 31-year-old American has not had a point in 11 games this season, blocking four shots and making three checks along the way.
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How can players and coaches be educated about the potential hidden health risks associated with concussions, including cardiovascular issues?
Website Editor: Good morning! Thank you both for joining us today. Can you please introduce yourselves and share your expertise related to the topic of sports medicine and player well-being?
Dr. Smith, Concussion Specialist: Thank you for having me! My name is Dr. Smith, and I am a concussion specialist with extensive experience in managing and treating concussions in professional athletes. I have also been involved in research and advocacy efforts to improve the understanding and management of these injuries.
Dr. Johnson, Cardiologist: My name is Dr. Johnson, and I am a cardiologist with a focus on cardiovascular diseases in athletes. My practice includes many professional athletes from various sports, including hockey. I am here to share my expertise on heart conditions and their management in this context.
Website Editor: Great to have you both here with us today. We have received this news about former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Reilly finding out he had a heart condition during a routine concussion exam. Can you elaborate on the connection between concussions and heart issues in players, and why this may have gone undetected?
Dr. Smith: That’s an interesting question. While there is some evidence to suggest that concussions can potentially increase the risk of heart problems, it’s not as well-established as with other organ systems like the brain. With Reilly’s case, it seemed like a regular post-concussion evaluation led to the discovery of this condition. In some cases, players may be more susceptible to underlying heart issues that are only uncovered during the recovery process from a concussion.
Dr. Johnson: Absolutely, concussions can have indirect effects on the heart, leading to changes in heart rate and blood pressure. However, in most cases, these changes are short-lived and do not result in permanent damage. It’s essential to remember that not all medical professionals are aware of the potential link between concussions and heart conditions. Typically, heart exams are only recommended for athletes with specific risk factors or symptoms, so it’s possible that this connection wasn’t always on the radar for Reilly’s doctors.
Website Editor: Wow, that’s fascinating. It seems like this incident could be a
