Millions of fans will watch the World Cup final with great excitement. However, cardiologists warn that the intense stress generated by the game can, in certain circumstances, lead to serious health problems, especially for people with cardiovascular diseases and risk factors.
Modern.az reports, citing foreign media, that scientific studies show that the risk of heart attack, heart rhythm disorders, and other cardiovascular problems can increase during high-tension football matches.
A study published in “The New England Journal of Medicine” after the 2006 World Cup in Germany found that the number of emergency medical calls related to cardiovascular issues increased 2.7 times during the German national team's matches.
A study by Bielefeld University, published this year in “Scientific Reports”, also showed that high-level football games can significantly increase heart rate and stress levels even in fans watching the match from their couch at home.
The p can react to the final excitement as a threat
Spanish cardiologist Jose Abellan stated that the p can perceive the World Cup final in a way similar to a dangerous situation.
“This is an exciting and stressful situation. Stress hormones that activate us are secreted, and there is a sharp increase in cortisol and catecholamines. This brings the p into a state of stress,” the expert said.
According to him, in most people, this process does not cause serious problems. However, in individuals with a weak cardiovascular system, strong stress can trigger a cardiovascular event.
“If my cardiovascular health is optimal or good, nothing will happen to me. But for a person with a weak cardiovascular system, it is undoubtedly true that a stressful event can trigger such a problem,” the cardiologist emphasized.
Who should be more careful?
The expert stated that people who have previously had a heart attack, had a stent placed, have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart rhythm disorders should be especially careful.
However, Abellan noted that the problem is not limited to the excitement generated by the football match alone.
“One must pay attention to everything that happens around the match. These are days when there is a national holiday atmosphere. People might watch the game after a big feast, after consuming a lot of fatty and unhealthy food, alcohol, or other substances,” he said.
The cardiologist also drew attention to heart rhythm disorders that occur after excessive alcohol consumption. This condition, known in medicine as “Holiday Heart” or “party heart syndrome,” is mainly associated with atrial fibrillation.
Especially during major sporting events, when excessive alcohol consumption is combined with the emotional stress generated by the final, the risk can further increase in people with cardiovascular diseases.
Pay attention to these three symptoms
During the final, rapid heart rate and excitement can be considered normal to a certain extent. However, some symptoms cannot simply be attributed to stress.
According to the cardiologist, fans should pay special attention to the following three symptoms:
sudden shortness of breath;
palpitations that continue even after the excitement has passed;
tight and oppressive pain in the chest.
“The most important symptom is oppressive pain in the chest. If I suddenly feel as if there is a heavy load on my chest and this pain spreads to the shoulder, neck, or back, and sweating is also observed, this is not due to nerves,” the doctor said.
The expert urged to seek medical help if any of these symptoms occur.
Watch the final, but don't forget your health
The cardiologist emphasized that the football match itself does not directly cause a heart attack. The main risk arises when pre-existing cardiovascular diseases are combined with strong stress, alcohol consumption, heavy eating, smoking, and lack of sleep.
According to him, the most correct approach is to watch the match calmly, with family and friends, and not to overdo it with food and alcoholic beverages.
“This is a sport, a competition. The match should be watched calmly, with family and friends. Food, alcohol, and all these things should be consumed in moderation,” the cardiologist added.
