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Penalty heartbreak sparks health fear for fans 23 June 2006 Bupa is showing the yellow card to football fans who risk their health as stress levels soar during the World Cup penalty shoot-outs. Heart attacks in England could leap by 25 percent if the nation’s footballers crash out again to penalties. Research published in the British Medical Journal1 shows the rate of hospital admissions for heart attacks risks going up by a quarter in people of working age and the threat is likely to last over three days. The study came about after the country’s blood pressure rocketed when Argentina knocked England out of the 1998 World Cup on penalties. The findings showed that heart attacks could be triggered by the emotional stress of fans watching a football team lose a crucial match. And this has not been the only time England’s fans have had their hearts broken by penalty failure – who can forget the semi-final against Germany in Turin in 1990. Doctors believe that supporters should be especially aware of the potential implications for their health posed by stress and take simple precautions to avoid becoming a World Cup casualty. Figures released by the Department of Health show that each day in England around 77 people aged 15-59 are treated in hospital for a heart attack, that is more than 28,000 every year.2 Tony Urwin, clinical and development manager from psychological services at Bupa Wellness, said: “When people’s emotions run high stress levels can shoot up affecting both their heart rate and blood pressure. There are also effects on their immune and digestive systems and on reasoned thinking. “We are hoping that history does not repeat itself. If England get knocked out from the penalty spot again as they did against Germany and Argentina there is a risk for some that their health could be seriously affected by this tension time-bomb.” Soaring soccer stress also increases the likelihood of engaging in unhealthy and risky behaviour like binge-drinking, eating fast food and increased smoking, which in turn can cause major health problems. Relationships can become another casualty of stress induced by the World Cup and we’re not just talking about fighting for the TV remote-control. Anxiety can bring about mood swings which means people are less patient and more aggressive resulting in more rows. Ensuring your mental and physical health survives the World Cup is essential. Tony Urwin added: “As a Kiwi I should be careful saying this, but remember it is just a game. Stress can be very taxing on the body, so people must learn to relax. Stress, alcohol and smoking can be a volatile mix for a person’s health, so keep it in moderation. Diet and exercise is also an important way to lower anxiety and pressure levels – so eat well and get outside and kick a football around. “However if you do have genuine health concerns like high blood pressure or heart palpitations, it is recommended you go and see your GP or consider going for a health assessment.” The common symptoms of a heart attack are: crushing central chest pain or mild chest discomfort; shortness of breath; clammy, sweaty, and grey complexion; dizziness; and nausea and vomiting. If you suspect you or someone you know is having a heart attack, seek immediate medical attention. 1 BMJ: “Admissions for myocardial infarction and World Cup football: database survey” Dec 2002 – to examine hospital admissions for a range of diagnoses on days surrounding England’s 1998 World Cup football matches. 2 Figures from the Department of Health’s Hospital Episodes Statistics.
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