A tense World Cup knockout match, extra time, a penalty shoot-out: for fans, the emotion can be overwhelming. For some, it can also be a risk to the heart.
What happens in the body
At moments of high tension, the body releases a surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones. The heart beats faster and blood pressure rises, as the body prepares to react.
For most people, this is a temporary thrill. But for some, it can trigger serious problems:
- Heart attack. In people with narrowed arteries, the extra strain can cause a fatty plaque to rupture and a clot to block an artery.
- Arrhythmias. A flood of adrenaline can disturb the heart’s electrical system, causing an irregular, and occasionally dangerous, heartbeat.
Studies carried out during major tournaments have found an increase in cardiac emergencies on the days of matches involving the home nation, particularly in tense, decisive games.
Who is most at risk?
Not only people with known heart disease. Those with hidden risk factors — high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking or obesity — may feel perfectly well until a stressful event reveals the problem.
Joy can be risky too
Intense positive emotions, such as celebrating a last-minute winner, produce the same hormonal surge as fear or anger. In rare cases, this can trigger takotsubo syndrome, sometimes called “broken heart syndrome”, in which the heart muscle temporarily weakens and the symptoms mimic a heart attack.
Added risks
Habits that often go with watching football can add to the strain:
- alcohol and energy drinks;
- smoking;
- heavy, salty food;
- forgetting to take medication.
How to watch safely
- Take your medication as usual.
- Drink water rather than alcohol or energy drinks.
- Choose lighter snacks.
- If you notice chest tightness, a racing heart or intense distress, step away, breathe deeply and calm down.
Warning signs
Chest pain or pressure that spreads to the arm, jaw or back, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea or fainting require immediate attention. Call 112 straight away — no match is worth risking your health.
