Hackensack Meridian Health – It’s typically the most watched television event of the year, and this year’s Super Bowl is expected to be no exception.
The showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs, seeking a three-peat, and the Philadelphia Eagles looking to take back the Lombardi Trophy is likely to spur a lot of emotions on both sides of the gridiron and everyone watching from the couch at home.
What the millions of viewers of the Super Bowl may not realize, as they tune into the game this Sunday, is they are potentially increasing their risk of having a heart attack.
Research shows cardiac incidents increase around the Super Bowl, especially in the hometown city of the losing team.
A 2021 study found psychological stress, even that of your favorite sports team losing the big game, is associated with heart issues including myocardial infarction, symptomatic arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.
Similar patterns have been found with big soccer matches, including the World Cup finals, and sports like hockey and baseball.
“Significant stress of any kind can play a role in exacerbating a pre-existing heart condition,” said Brett A. Sealove, M.D., chief of Cardiology, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
“People who are already at risk with symptoms including high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity are at an increased risk for a cardiac event during times of stress.” Cardiac events can include anything from heart attacks, strokes and heart palpitations.
Strong emotions can mess with the body’s hormones and nervous system. This can affect blood vessels, making them work improperly and changing blood flow.
These changes can increase the chance of a dangerous type of heart blockage (plaque) bursting.
When the body’s “fight or flight” system gets kicked into high gear, it can damage the lining of your blood vessels …
IMAGE: Marco Verch 👨🍳, Spende an den Fotografen senden, CC-BY 2.0
