Hamilton’s Heart Tells Him to Sit Out for a While

Former Sioux Falls Skyforce Center Justin Hamilton will be sidelined as the Miami Heat begin training camp.  The good news is that the 2014 NBADL First Team honoree will make a full recovery.  

The following is the official statement from the Heat.

The Miami Heat announced today that center Justin Hamilton underwent a procedure at South Miami Hospital on Monday to repair an atrial flutter. After experiencing light-headedness during practice, he was sent to Doctors Hospital where the diagnosis was discovered. He will remain sidelined for a few days and can then begin non-contact exercises for approximately three weeks before being re-evaluated prior to re-joining the team for practice. Hamilton is expected to make a full recovery.

For those who are unfamiliar with the condition, the Heart Rhythm Society explains atrial flutter (AFL) as… a common abnormal heart rhythm.  In AFL, the upper chambers (atria) of the heart beat too fast, which results in atrial muscle contractions that are faster than and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles).  

AFL itself is not life threatening. If left untreated, the side effects of AFL can be potentially life threatening. AFL makes it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. With the blood moving more slowly, it is more likely to form clots. If the clot is pumped out of the heart, it could travel to the brain and lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Of course if you are an athlete competing at an elite level this is not conducive to good performance.

Hamilton is starting his second season as a member of the Miami Heat after spending most of the 2013-14 season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce.  Hamilton earned a 10-day contract with Charlotte before the Heat signed him for the rest of the campaign on March 14.

The Skyforce and Heat are in the second year of their hybrid partnership.  For a taste of Hamilton's talents view the clip below.