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Sporting events affect spectators' cardiovascular mortality: it is not just a game
Justin Leeka1, Bryan G Schwartz, Robert A Kloner
1Heart Institute, Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
The American Journal of Medicine
|November 2, 2010
Summary
Watching sports can trigger heart attacks and death, especially for those with existing heart disease. Protective measures like medication and stress management can help reduce cardiovascular risks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychophysiology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Mental stress, anxiety, and anger are known triggers for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cardiovascular death.
- Sporting events can acutely elevate cardiovascular event and mortality rates, particularly in individuals with pre-existing coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Specific game-related stressors (e.g., passionate fans, high stakes, intense play, losses) exacerbate cardiovascular risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of sporting events on cardiovascular health.
- To elucidate the physiological mechanisms linking sports-related stress to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
- To identify protective strategies against sports-induced cardiovascular events.
Main Methods:
- Review of neuroendocrine responses to acute mental stress.
- Analysis of physiological changes including hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system activation.
- Evaluation of autonomic nervous system balance (vagal tone) and endothelial function.
Main Results:
- Sporting events trigger cardiovascular events via neuroendocrine responses and potentially risky behaviors.
- Acute mental stress impairs endothelial function, increases myocardial oxygen demand, and reduces supply.
- Mechanisms contributing to risk include arrhythmias and thrombosis.
- Risk factors include passionate fan engagement, high-stakes games, game intensity, and outcomes like losses, especially at home.
Conclusions:
- Sporting events pose a significant cardiovascular risk to spectators, particularly those with known CAD.
- Neuroendocrine activation and impaired physiological functions during stressful events increase the likelihood of AMI and death.
- Preventive strategies, including medication (beta-blockers, aspirin), stress management techniques, and lifestyle modifications, are crucial for mitigating these risks.
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