Warning: The World Cup Might Make Your Heart Stop

There have been a few games this World Cup where my heart has felt like it was going to jump out of my chest during the exciting closing minutes. It turns out that I might not be alone. Researchers here in Germany are conducting a study of people who suffer heart attacks while watching football matches to see if higher stress levels are making football fans’ tickers go out of whack.

“Patients are asked precisely what they were doing at the time of the attack – whether they were following football on the radio or television, or even watching the pundits after the game,” said David Leistner of Munich’s Ludwig Maximilians University.

“So far, on the days when Germany has played we have received a lot more blood samples,” he added.

Previous studies have pointed to increased risks for heart attacks during football matches but the current study underway should prove to be the most comprehensive to date.

“If it really is the case that higher stress levels can increase the chance of a heart attack then attending soccer games may have to carry a health warning,” said Leistner.

Just what the world needs. Another warning label that we’ll all feel guilty ignoring.

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