Mortality increased in Sporting enthusiasts!

Several times we have seen the newspapers carrying a news article about how some ardent cricket fan suffered a Heart attack and died following a high strung cricket match between India and Pakistan! A recent report by a Dutch research team under Dr. Diederick E. Grobbee has revealed that there is an increased mortality due to stoke and MI [Myocardial Infarction] after a major game.

As compared to the number of death 5 days before and after the event, the number of deaths among men on the day of the event was documented as being higher by 50% more than the normal statistics. This change, however is not evident in the women population.

Mental or emotional stress may not be the only factors implicated as causes provoking cardiovascular events associated with a critical match. "Notably, heavy alcohol use, overeating, and excessive smoking may also play a part," researchers say.

Thus the factors that contribute to atherosclerosis are not the only risk factors to be managed but also a better understanding of the vulnerability of the individual to specific stressors is also required and needs monitoring.

So next time you are watching your favourite game “Keep your Cool!”