Euro 2008: Bad for Your Heart
The drama at tournaments like Euro 2008 is often described as “heart-stopping,” but in Austria they’re taking that very literally. Due to the risk of fans having heart attacks while supporting their team this summer the Viennese Union of Hospitals has banned all doctors in the Austrian capital from taking any holiday while the tournament is on.
They’re also taking on extra staff, as they believe there’s a clear link between the drama of tournament football and fans suffering heart attacks. “The 2006 World Cup in Germany showed there was a much higher risk of heart attacks on days when people’s teams are playing,” says Wilhelm Marhold, general director of the Viennese Union of Hospitals. And who are we to argue with him?
Not sure how happy the Viennese doctors will be with all this, but if you’ve ever watched your team defend a one goal lead, miss a chance to equalize, bitten your nails through extra time or gone through the torture of a penalty shoot out, then you’ll probably agree with Marhold.
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Comments
By Ian | March 7th, 2008 at 9:34 pm 
The doctors who are football fans will be none too happy on this one. Do they really anticipate so many heart attacks that it requires every doctor in town to be working? Do they realize how many heart attacks that is? On behalf of football-loving Austrian doctors, I propose a vacation-day lottery, so at least a few of them can enjoy the tournament.
By tomasz | March 8th, 2008 at 6:24 am It’s perfectly understandable considering the strength of the Austrian team. I would also recommend the therapists not to leave town as there will be an increase in the number of depressed people.
Posted from 
Poland
By John | March 8th, 2008 at 4:23 pm I think this is a very sensible idea, well-thought out by the Austrain government. Hopefully, however, the doctors will be offered compensation for being unable to support Austria.
Posted from 
United States
By Pete | March 10th, 2008 at 9:57 am Madness……..what ever next. These footballers are over paid and now over pampered. Have the Austrians got nothing better to do? I guess in terms of football, probably not.
What a sad and mad day!
Posted from United States
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