An article in the New England Journal of Medicine examined heart attacks and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) during the 2006 World Cup soccer tournament held in Germany. These were compared to similar events over a comparable period in prior years.

Cardiovascular events such as heart attacks were reported in nearly 4300 patients. Comparisons were made between the 2006 time period and several others in past years when no tournament play took place. When a home-town German team was playing during the 2006 tournament heart attacks and arrhythmias were nearly three times as likely to occur. The increased events were more common in men than women. Also, those who had been diagnosed with coronary artery disease in the past were more likely to have a new heart attack. Heart attacks and arrhythmias were most likely to take place during the first 2 hours of the match.

The stress of being a spectator is one often ignored by doctors and patients. Heart attacks and arrhythmias appeared to more than double in the soccer spectators in this study, especially in men with known coronary artery disease. If you or a friend or family member falls into such a category or even if you are concerned about the stress of “the big game” talk to your doctor about prevention.