Players With Heart Conditions Who Are Still Playing

[Kane3387]

But here's something you didn't know: Curry had a second -- and until now unreported -- scare involving his heart during training camp a year ago, according to the Bulls.

"It was during a conditioning drill, and Eddy complained of chest pain and lightheadedness," says Bulls GM John Paxson. "We took him to the hospital."

Paxson says that a thorough examination at that time yielded no explanation for Curry's symptoms. The 6-foot-11, 285-pound center went on to average a career-high 16.1 points for the Bulls until March 30, when he complained of symptoms that were diagnosed as heart arrhythmia. "Eddy told our trainer that he had felt the same way two nights earlier during a game against Memphis," says Paxson.

Medical experts told Paxson that Curry needed to undergo a DNA test to show whether or not he was predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the same heart disease that was linked to the tragic deaths of Reggie Lewis and Hank Gathers while they were playing basketball.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/ian_thomsen/10/13/curry/1.html

Obviously Curry went on to play with the Knicks and is trying to play for Miami.

Ronny Turiaf was in surgery for approximately six hours and was then transferred to the intensive care unit. Ronny Turiaf's heart condition was diagnosed while participating on the Lakers' Summer League team. To preserve Ronny Turiaf's aortic valve, his aortic root was replaced during the operation. Ronny Turiaf was initially expected to miss the entire 2005-06 NBA season and to work toward joining the Lakers for the 2006-07 campaign following heart surgery.

However, after being given what Lakers' coach Phil Jackson termed "a new lease on life", Ronny Turiaf recovered more quickly than expected. Just six months after his heart surgery, he signed a new contract with the Lakers, forgoing an opportunity to play in Spain for more money. Ronny Turiaf was able to play by the 2006 season, but was used only sparingly, as Jackson was still wary about playing him.

When in the game, Turiaf is noted for the high level of energy with which he plays.

http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/ronny-turiaf-aorta-valve.php

Turiaf is also still playing now for the Wizards.

[BballTim]

  I seem to recall Terry Cummings having a heart issue, back in the day.

[17wasEZ]

  I seem to recall Terry Cummings having a heart issue, back in the day.

I believe Cummings had a heart murmur. As I recall, Larry Bird had a different kind of condition.  He seemed to leave his heart out on the floor every single night.

I pray Green is fine and can have a normal life.  Preferably, playing well for the Boston Celtics.

[Roy H.]

I don't even want to think about this stuff.  I'm just living in la la land.  "Heart condition" + Celtics = bad things.

[CelticG1]

What about Rodney Stuckey? Ben Wallace?

I remember the cs playing them and them having issues. I was pretty sure stuckys was a bit more severe

[clawlin]

Cuttino Mobley too, right? He does not play anymore but he was in the league for a while.