Don’t Let the World Cup Break Your Heart (Literally)
The final week of the World Cup is sure to be an emotional rollercoaster for fans as powerhouse teams like England, Argentina, France, and Spain face off. But while we live for these heart-pounding moments, the intense stress can be literally heart-stopping.
Studies show watching high-stakes sports can significantly increase your risk for cardiovascular events. The intense emotional stress of a close game can trigger a cascade of responses in your body.
“Significant stress of any kind can play a role in exacerbating a pre-existing heart condition,” said Brett A. Sealove, M.D., chair 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.
This strain is often compounded by unhealthy watch-party habits like drinking alcohol, eating salty and fatty foods, and sitting for long periods.
“In most people, this is not significant enough to cause any cardiovascular events,” says Michael Kaple, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, a board-certified interventional cardiologist at Hackensack University Medical Center. “But in some who have a history of cardiovascular disease, and even some who don’t, it can trigger serious problems.”
A landmark German study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that during the 2006 World Cup, the incidence of cardiac emergencies on days when the German team played was more than double compared to other days. The risk was highest during tense matches, like those decided by a penalty shootout. Similarly, another study noted a 25% increase in heart attack admissions in England when their team was eliminated by Argentina in a penalty shootout during the 1998 World Cup.
A Real-Life Save at the Stadium
This isn’t just a distant statistic. It became a reality for one fan during a recent World Cup match between France and Senegal at the stadium just a stone’s throw from Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC). After climbing the stairs to his seat, the fan began experiencing chest pain. He was rushed to the stadium’s medical unit, where the on-site team, including paramedics from Hackensack’s JFK and HUMC Divisions, performed an EKG.
The diagnosis was a STEMI – a serious type of heart attack. Recognizing the urgency, the team decided to transport him directly to the cardiac catheterization lab at HUMC.
This is where technology and teamwork made a life-saving difference. Using a mobile application called GD-EBridge, the field team transmitted the patient’s EKG and vital information directly to the hospital’s cath lab. This instantly alerted the entire team, including the interventional cardiologist, allowing them to prepare for the patient’s arrival before he even left the stadium. A hospital supervisor met the ambulance to escort it to a specialized entrance, saving precious minutes.
Upon arrival, the patient was already registered, and the team was ready. He underwent an emergency procedure known as a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), where a stent was placed to open the blocked vessel in his heart, restoring blood flow and saving his life. He was discharged the very next day, a testament to the swift and coordinated response.
Expert Tips for a Heart-Healthy Game Day
As the final matches approach, the experts at Hackensack Meridian Health offer advice on how to enjoy the beautiful game without putting your heart on the line.
“Excessive stress has a negative impact on your heart health,” the experts at Hackensack Meridian Health advise. They recommend the following strategies:
Manage Your Emotions: If you feel yourself getting overly stressed or agitated, take a break. Step away from the screen, practice some deep breathing, or go for a short walk to calm your nervous system.
Stay Healthy: It’s easy to overindulge during a watch party. Try to limit alcohol and avoid binging on salty or fatty foods. Stay hydrated with water.
Don’t Skip Medications: If you are on prescribed medication for a heart condition or high blood pressure, be sure to take it as scheduled, regardless of the game’s excitement.
Know the Warning Signs: If you experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden tingling, or pain in your jaw, don’t ignore them. Seek medical attention immediately.
Prioritize Sleep and Self-Care: The stress of late-night games can take a toll. Ensure you get enough sleep and make time for relaxing activities that aren’t related to soccer.
The World Cup is a time for celebration and national pride. By being mindful of the risks and taking these simple precautions, you can ensure that the only thing you’ll be nursing after the final whistle is a voice hoarse from cheering.