TRI-CITIES, Wash.-For die-hard sports fans watching your team in the big game can be exhilarating, however, it can also trigger serious health effects.
Several recent studies have shown an increase in cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, before, during and after intense playoff or championship games, regardless of the sport being played.
The strong emotional swings and psychological stress of the big game have been associated with myocardial infarction, symptomatic arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death, according to the National Library of Medicine.
The stress of rooting on your team in person or even on TV naturally impacts your heart rate and research published in the American Journal of Medicine suggests that cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, do increase around big games.
According to Nicholas Ruthmann, MD, “When we get invested in something, including any major sporting event where our favorite team is competing, we can become hyper-focused and that can be stressful.”
A 2017 study of Montreal Canadiens hockey fans by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society tracked heart rates of fans attending games and watching on TV.
The study found that watching a hockey game live was associated with an increased heart rate equivalent to vigorous physical stress, while watching on TV had the same effect as moderate physical stress.
Fans experiencing any symptoms of a cardiac event, including nausea, chest pain or shortness of breath should seek immediate medical help and not wait until after the game, according to medical professionals.
Dr. Ruthmann suggests some tips for fans to stay safe during the big game, including eating healthier snacks, drinking more water and taking breaks from the game if necessary.
“During commercial breaks, go into another room, clear your head and take some deep breaths,” said Dr. Ruthmann. “After all, what do you think those pros you’re watching are doing between plays? Exactly the same thing.”