A rare heart condition that could be linked with COVID-19 is creating additional concern among Power 5 conference administrators about the viability of college football this fall.

Myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle, has been found in at least five Big Ten Conference athletes and among several other athletes in other conferences.

The condition is usually caused by a viral infection, including those that cause the common cold, H1N1 influenza or mononucleosis.

Dr. John MacKnight, the head primary care team physician at the University of Virginia, said that while questions about COVID-19 testing availability, turnaround time for results, and the impact of a possible community surge of cases have all been factors in deciding to return to competition, the long-term cardiac concerns for athletes may be the tipping point.