Superbowl and Heart Attack Risk

This years Superbowl playoff is coming up soon.  Having an emotional attachment to a specific team or player in the Superbowl, can have a detrimental effect on your heart.  A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that emotional sporting events can increase the number of heart attacks.

Researchers have determined that watching events that have a high emotional effect, can increase the release of adrenaline in your body. This rush of adrenaline can have serious and potentially detrimental effects upon those with previous or undiagnosed heart problems.

Best thing you can do to try and minimize your heart risk is:

1. Remain as calm as possible during the big game.

2. If you do smoke, quit; if not reduce or don’t smoke during the game.

3. Avoid overeating.

4. Don’t consume high levels of alcohol.

5. Call 911 if you begin to experience any of the symptoms of a heart attack.

So this year, remember it is just a game.  Root for your team, but try and maintain a level emotional response to the outcomes of these games.  If at any time you feel heaviness in your chest, numbness or tingling in your left, shortness of breath or excessive sweating, please seek immediate medical attention.  Call 9-1-1.

Reference: CPR/Heart – 205