Malik Allen Diagnosed With Atrial Fibrillation

According to the American Heart Association, about 2.2 million Americans suffer from atrial fibrillation, which is treatable with medication. In the past, NBA players, including Hakeem Olajuwon and Aaron McKie, played multiple seasons after being diagnosed with the ailment so it is therefore not considered career-threatening.

By defenition, atrial fibrillation is "an abnormal heart rhythm which involves the two small, upper heart chambers. Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spreads through the heart and causes contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood. In AF, the regular electrical impulses of the sinoatrial node are replaced by disorganized, rapid electrical impulses, which result in irregular heart beats."

Allen left the bench during the second quarter of Thursday night's victory over the Magic. He was evaluated by Magic medical personnel and spent Thursday night at the hospital and then returned to the team hotel Friday evening.

No timetable for Allen's return will be set until team doctors are able to evaluate his condition. Given the thorough way the Bulls have treated other health issues, such as Eddy Curry's heart problem and Jay Williams' motorcycle accident, expect a conservative approach before Allen returns.

The Bulls are stressing this situation is different to Curry's two years ago. Curry suffered an irregular heartbeat on March 30, 2005, in Charlotte. Team officials wanted him to take a DNA test to prove that he didn't have cardiomyopathy. That condition killed basketball players Hank Gathers and Reggie Lewis. Paxson would later trade Curry to the Knicks when he refused testing.

The prayers of Bulls fans everywhere go out to Allen and his family.


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