Watching a high stakes football match that goes down to the wire is not, after all, bad for your heart, according to a study published by the Cologne University Clinic.
“There is an ongoing debate whether sports events with high uncertainty create a level of suspense in a population that might contribute to an increase in cardiovascular events,” the report said.
The study examined reported cardiovascular events — including angina, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest and other ailments — during the 2006 World Cup from a sample of 7.2 million public health insurance clients.
But contrary to earlier studies, the study concluded that in fact a lower number of heart attacks and other events had been reported during the previous World Cup, which was held in Germany and won by Italy.
Research carried in 2008 in Munich had suggested that high-pressure games did lead to more game-watchers being admitted to hospital.
The Cologne study offered a wry explanation for this.
“Munich is home to by far the most successful German soccer team, having won six of ten national championships in the past decade. The residents of Munich may not be used to such closely fought matches.”
