World Cup match stress can trigger a heart attack

World Cup match stress can trigger a heart attack

The emotional intensity of the World Cup can place a significant strain on the cardiovascular system, particularly for fans with underlying heart conditions. While cardiologists emphasize that football itself is not inherently dangerous, the physiological response to high-stakes matches can act as a trigger for heart attacks in vulnerable individuals.

During decisive games, the body undergoes an adrenergic stimulation where heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones—specifically adrenaline and cortisol—increase significantly. Dan Atar, a cardiology professor at Oslo University Hospital in Norway, describes this as a state where the stimulation is at its maximum. In some unlucky individuals, this surge can lead to the rupture of an existing atherosclerotic plaque, which is a buildup on artery walls, potentially causing a heart attack.

The Physiology of "Football Fever"

Recent research using wearable devices has highlighted the physical impact of match stress. A study involving more than 200 fans monitored with smartwatches over several weeks found that high-intensity games caused a clear rise in heart rate and physiological stress. During the 2025 German Cup final, some fans experienced heart rates climbing as high as 150 beats per minute, a level comparable to sprinting.

The impact varies based on the viewing environment. Christian Deutscher, a professor of sports economics at Bielefeld University and co-author of the study, noted that the most significant impact occurs for fans watching live in the stadium, especially when combined with heat and alcohol consumption. However, even those watching from home show measurable responses; Deutscher stated that home viewers had an increase in heart rate comparable to walking, despite remaining stationary.

Interestingly, the most intense reactions are not always tied to goals. Deutscher highlighted that moments of uncertainty, such as VAR reviews, penalty shootouts, or shots hitting the post, drive the strongest physiological responses.

Historical Data and Population Risks

Medical literature has consistently linked major tournaments to spikes in cardiovascular events. A key reference published in the New England Journal of Medicine following the 2006 World Cup in Germany observed that emergency admissions for heart problems rose sharply on days the German national team played, with the risk of a cardiovascular event up to 2.7 times higher than on other days.

Other historical examples include:

• 1998 World Cup: Following England's penalty shootout loss to Argentina, heart attack admissions jumped 25% on the day of the match and the following two days, totaling 55 more cases than expected.
• 1996 European Championship: Approximately 14 excess cardiovascular deaths occurred among men the day the Dutch team was eliminated.
• General Trends: Studies across the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Germany show hospital admissions for heart attacks increased between 9% and more than double during previous FIFA World Cup tournaments compared to non-tournament years.

Dr. Ahmed Tawakol, a cardiologist at Mass General Brigham Heart & Vascular Institute, noted that these risks are not limited to those with known conditions. "Surprise" heart attacks striking people without prior diagnoses also increased during tournament play.

Compounding Risk Factors

Cardiologists warn that emotional stress rarely acts alone. The risk of arrhythmias, hypertensive crises, or heart attacks increases when the "fight or flight" response is combined with common watch-party behaviors, including:

• Heavy alcohol consumption and smoking.
• Large, unhealthy meals and overeating.
• Lack of sleep and prolonged sitting.
• Pre-existing factors such as obesity, diabetes, and poorly controlled high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Some fans may also experience Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome, after the defeat of their favorite teams.

Medical Guidance for Fans

Experts, including Dr. José Abellán and Paola Santalucia, a cardiologist and board member of the European Heart Network, reassure the general public that watching a match is not dangerous for the vast majority of spectators. However, for those at higher risk, they recommend the following precautions:

• Maintain adherence to prescribed medications.
• Limit alcohol intake and avoid stimulant substances.
• Prioritize sleep and exercise in the days leading up to a big game.
• Practice stress-management techniques, such as taking deep breaths or stepping out of the room if stress levels become too high.

Fans are urged not to ignore warning symptoms, which include chest pressure or pain radiating to the jaw, back, or left arm, as well as shortness of breath, intense sweating, nausea, dizziness, or an irregular heartbeat. Medical experts advise calling 911 immediately if these symptoms appear rather than waiting for the match to end.

As the World Cup continues, researchers from Bielefeld University are currently collecting further data from fans in a follow-up study to deepen the understanding of these physiological responses.