Damien Nash and His Family History of Heart Disease
Latest news on Broncos football player Damien Nash’s sudden death on Saturday suggests that his heart may very well be involved. His brother, Darris Nash, needed a heart transplant last year because he developed dilated cardiomyopathy, which has a genetic component. The four physicals Damien Nash underwent since 2004 had always shown him to be in good health. To determine the cause of death, the medical examiner will be checking for drugs and alcohol along with examining tissue sections from Damien’s heart. His mother, Kim Nash, will be taking Damien’s sister to the cardiologist soon.
This is a good time to remind everyone that knowing your family history of disease is a very important factor in your health. For more about the importance of understanding your family health history, check out my three-part series at Genetics and Health.
Tags: family history, damien nash, denver broncos, football, nfl, heart, heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy
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POSTED IN: Hearty News, People With Heart Disease
4 opinions for Damien Nash and His Family History of Heart Disease
Tim
Feb 26, 2007 at 11:22 pm
yeah, but I think by “family history” it’s not so much genetics as just what we end up recycling. My grandfather died of a massive heart attack, and my mom now has thickened arteries, but I am fine because I exercise and eat right (she does not - she eats like she did growing up). I think a lot of the time the family thing turns into a blame game that the pharmaceutical industry amplifies for profit. Yeah, you are more at risk, but lifestyle does count for 90% of health, I’m convinced: http://www.marksdailyapple.com.
Hsien-Hsien Lei, PhD
Feb 26, 2007 at 11:46 pm
Tim: Hi and thanks for the comment! I’m not sure I agree with you about the insignificance of genetics. We will eventually see that each person has a unique genetic profile that can be used to determine his/her personal risk for specific diseases.Using genetic data, we’ll then be able to put together personalized medicine that includes specialized lifestyle recommendations. We’re probably a decade away from such fine-tuned information, but we’re making progress. I also don’t discount lifestyle factors at all and think everyone can maximize their health by making smart choices!
A Hearty Life » Dr. Archie Roberts and The Living Heart Foundation
Feb 27, 2007 at 6:36 pm
[…] With Damien Nash’s recent death, I’m sure many football players are thinking about their own risk of heart disease and sudden death from cardiac arrest. I’ve previously written about football players’ higher risk of heart disease, especially those who are retired. In this video, Dr. Archie Roberts, a former NFL quarterback for the Cleveland Brown and Miami Dolphins, talks about the Living Heart Foundation and a football player’s health. […]
A Hearty Life » Be Prepared for a Cardiac Emergency
Mar 1, 2007 at 12:08 pm
[…] If you can remember the Chain of Survival, you may be able to save the life of someone who’s experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Someone like football player Damien Nash or basketball player Dennis Johnson. […]
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