A Lincoln cardiologist shared a "return to play" protocol plan Thursday for athletes who may have been affected by COVID-19.
Dr. John Steuter said whether a patient was hospitalized, had mild symptoms, or was asymptomatic, they may experience cardiac effects.
He said it is not known to what extent mild and asymptomatic individuals have these effects. He said up to a third of hospitalized patients have experienced cardiac manifestations, some of which may be dangerous.
"This virus can cause scarring in that heart muscle, and down the road predispose those patients to having irregular heart rhythm, some of which is fatal,” Steuter said.
Steuter said hospitalized patients will most likely have screenings already, but those who had mild symptoms should have cardiac screenings to test for abnormalities before returning to normal physical activity.