On Wednesday, the New York Knicks overcame a 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs in the final seconds, marking the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history. This stunning achievement thrilled fans but also stressed them. For passionate supporters, the emotional rollercoaster of a close game can wreak havoc on blood pressure and heart, a phenomenon known as "fanxiety."
Cardiovascular Risks of Watching Sports
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among U.S. adults, and multiple studies show cardiac events spike during and after major sports games. A 2022 study in Current Problems in Cardiology found that die-hard fans of soccer, rugby, football, and baseball had higher risks of dying from cardiovascular events, especially during close final-stage competitions. The risk was greater for those with a history of coronary artery disease.
Dr. Miguel Maturana, a cardiologist at Houston Methodist and lead author of the study, told HuffPost that games decided in the last minute or quarter trigger the most stress. "Particularly, games associated with the final stages of competitions, no matter the sport, tend to be associated with stronger emotions, and those fans are at higher risk," he said.
How Stress Affects the Heart
Emotional games release adrenaline and hormones that increase heart rate and blood pressure. This surge redirects blood from other body parts and can cause strokes if plaque is present in arteries. Dr. Matthew Tomey, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York, explained that adrenaline demands more from the heart, making vulnerable hearts susceptible to adverse effects. "The basis of most heart attacks is a preexisting cholesterol plaque bursting, and stressful events can be triggering factors," he said.
Additionally, fans often consume salty foods like hot dogs and pretzels and drink alcohol while watching games, which impair heart function, Maturana noted.
Perspective and Precautions
Cardiologists emphasize that fans should not be scared but aware. "It's better to be aware that these things can happen," Maturana said, especially for those with a history of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or stroke. During the World Cup, a 2022 study found a 15% spike in cardiovascular hospital admissions in Croatia during and after matches.
Tips for Heart-Healthy Fandom
- Watch with others: Being surrounded by people who can monitor symptoms and call 911 is safer than watching alone.
- Know symptoms: Chest discomfort, shortness of breath, shoulder or arm pain, nausea, or indigestion may signal a cardiac event.
- Consult a doctor: Assess cardiovascular health before big games to understand risks.
- Manage stress: While die-hard fans may not watch half-heartedly, they can learn stress management techniques and take medications as prescribed.
Dr. Tomey advises, "For generations, we've been on defense with heart disease. Now is the season for us to go on offense and promote cardiovascular health, starting with awareness."
As Knicks guard Jalen Brunson said about managing pressure, "It's all about being able to say you gave it everything you got. Go out there, put all the preparation and work in, do everything you can, and you live with the results."
