June 21, 2010MUNICH (Deutsche Presse-Agentur) -- Cardiologists are warning heart patients they face a higher risk of experiencing cardiac arrest during the soccer World Cup finals in South Africa. The German Society of Cardiologists in Private Practice says patients with a prior history of heart ailments should avoid getting too excited while watching matches.
The cardiologists say hormones are produced during moments of great joy and annoyance that can lead to heart rhythm problems or even a heart attack. Heavy smoking and drinking can raise the risk even further.
Studies conducted during the 2006 soccer finals in Germany found the risk of experiencing a heart attack increased threefold while watching a match and immediately afterwards. The most dangerous games for heart patients are those involving their national team, warn the cardiologists.
They advise heart patients who experience a strong emotional reaction during a game to turn the sound down on their television for a short time or to leave the room. The World Cup runs until July 11th.
Copyright 2010 dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH
