Football players show structural changes in the heart and face an elevated risk of heart rhythm disorders later in life, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 67th Annual Scientific Session. Former professional NFL players were found to be more than five times as likely to have a heart rhythm disorder, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). Freshman collegiate football players showed significant structural changes to the heart, including enlargement of the aortic root after just one season of play.