Don’t Let the World Cup Score a Goal on Your Heart Health

By: Ivan Mendoza, MD and Ruelle Champion

No matter the team or the match, there’s one feeling that all World Cup fans know well — intense stress from watching their teams compete. That stress and excitement can come with sweaty palms, screaming at the television, and a racing heart. For people with heart disease, the high levels of stress can raise the risk of serious cardiac issues.

While watching a high-stakes soccer match, your body may respond as if you’re in a high stress or dangerous situation. Adrenaline can kick in and can cause a faster heartbeat, faster breathing, and tense muscles. Stress is normally temporary but for people with heart disease, it can be an extra strain and cause long-term damage to heart health.

“We want patients to enjoy exciting moments, including the World Cup matches, but the key is understanding how stress affects your heart and staying aware of your health,” said Ivan Mendoza, MD, chief of cardiology at Jackson West Medical Center.

Long periods of stress have an effect on high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and heart rhythm issues. Paying attention to stress levels is important for people dealing with heart problems.

Here are some ways to manage high-stress situations:

• Practice mindful breathing.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Keep your medication handy and take it on time.
• Switch between sitting and standing while watching a match.
• Know your limits.
• Keep up with your care plan set by a cardiologist.

The joy from enjoying the World Cup is unmatched, but the stress that it comes with should be managed, especially for people tracking their heart health.