ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WKBW) — A 25 year-old Buffalo Bills Tight End, Tommy Sweeney has been diagnosed with a heart condition called myocarditis.
The heart condition is connected to COVID-19, and doctors say it's a side effect, now being detected after the patient has been cured of the disease.
"The risk of developing myocarditis is more likely related to the severity of the corona illness," said Doctor Vishal Parikh, an Advanced Heart Failure Provider for Rochester Regional Health.
Dr. Parikh says myocarditis is an inflammation and injury of the heart muscle. It can be mild or severe. He says this is concerning, as we are starting to see more and more long-term side effects stemming from COVID-19.
"I think the long term effects of coronavirus are more severe than other viruses," he said.
Dr. Parikh says COVID-19 attacks and inflames organs at such a robust pace, clotting and other issues could be possible.
"We worry about the risk of electro-activities that can cause cardiac issues, even death," he said. "We need to do whatever we can to prevent from getting this virus."
Sweeney is out for the remainder of the season.
