'Tense games do not lead to heart attacks'
09/06/2010 14:07

Watching a high-stakes football match that goes down to the wire is not, after all, bad for your heart, according to a study published on Wednesday by the Cologne University Clinic.

"There is an ongoing debate whether sports events with high uncertainty create a level of suspense in a population that might contribute to an increase in cardiovascular events," the report said.

The study examined reported cardiovascular events -- including angina, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest and other ailments -- during the 2006 World Cup from a sample of 7.2 million public health insurance clients.

Contrary to earlier studies, the study concluded that in fact a lower number of heart attacks and other events were reported during the previous World Cup, which was held in Germany and won by Italy.

Research carried out in 2008 in Munich suggested that high-pressure games led to more game-watchers being admitted to hospital.

The Cologne study offered a wry explanation for this.

"Munich is home to by far the most successful German soccer team, having won six of 10 national championships in the past decade. The residents of Munich may not be used to such closely fought matches.


http://www.supersport.com/football/2010-world-cup/news/100609/Tense_games_do_not_lead_to_heart_attacks