Soccer and Risk of Cardiovascular Events

Physical and emotional stress have been associated with an increased incidence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Sporting events such as soccer matches can cause spectators to experience cardiovascular events. The objective of the present study was to determine whether an association of this type existed during a Spanish league competition.

We recorded data from patients who were admitted with ACS during 2018 - 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: those who were admitted on the day the local team played and those who were admitted on nonmatch days. We determined various cardiovascular risk factors, including the degree of hostility and anxiety.

Away wins reduced the number of admissions with ACS by 30%, whereas a local loss increased hospitalizations by more than 30%. The profile of patient admitted on match days was a > 65 years old man, smoker (current or past), obese, with worse control of his hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, poor pharmacological adherence and high anxiety and hostility scores.

A loss by the local team increases the number of admissions with ACS in males with a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors. Primary prevention measures should be taken to reduce the frequency of these events.