The Stanley Cup Finals: can the stress of the playoffs impact your heart?

Rooting for your team during the playoffs can certainly elevate your heart rate. In fact, the adrenaline from watching an intense game can have physical effects, especially in people who are already at risk of heart disease. 

Whether you’re watching it from the stands or the couch in your living room, an edge-of-your-seat game can increase your heart rate, raise your blood pressure, and release a rush of adrenaline. In other words, thrilling games can get your heart pumping. 

“Being emotionally invested in a game activates the nervous system and your fight-or-flight response. This kind of stress can lead to a cardiac event in someone with a pre-existing heart condition,” said Dr. Paul Khairy, cardiologist at the Montreal Heart Institute. 

A 2017 study conducted by researchers at the MHI revealed that the heart rate of Habs fans doubled during games. In fact, those attending the game in person experienced spikes in their heart rates comparable to ones resulting from moderate to vigorous exercise. 

International research projects have come to the same conclusion. Moreover, hospital admissions for heart attacks or arrythmias increase during major sporting events: the FIFA World Cup, the Rugby World Cup, the Super Bowl... and the NHL playoffs. 

“There’s no need to panic. It’s a relatively rare occurrence. However, if a person has already been diagnosed with coronary artery disease or has multiple risk factors, the emotional intensity they experience can be enough to trigger a cardiac emergency,” said Dr. Khairy. 

Strong emotions are generally not considered a major risk factor in cardiovascular prevention. But the impact is real. 

But rest assured that no cardiologist wants to ban the playoffs! They simply want to help people understand how to enjoy them while taking better care of their heart. 

To make sure you can keep rooting for your team while protecting your heart, keep a few simple tips in mind. Limit your intake of alcohol and fatty foods during games because excesses can aggravate cardiovascular risk factors. Listen to your body. If you feel pain, palpitations, or any kind of discomfort, contact your medical professional. If you take medication for your heart, keep it nearby during pulse-pounding games. Finally, make sure you get regular checkups, especially if you have a pre-existing heart condition. 

Emotions are an intrinsic part of sports. They bring people together and fuel excitement. But they can also put a strain on your heart. Just remember that during the playoffs, your heart matters more than the final score.