Expert Suggests How To Prevent Football-Induced Cardiac Emergencies

With the final match of UEFA's Europa League currently underway between Chelsea FC and Benfica FC, HealthNewsNG is drawing attention to the health impacts of football games. As a soccer loving nation, the Nigerian media is often filled with news of harmful outcomes of soccer matches.

Understanding the harmful effects of football was the focus of a study carried out in Germany. According to the researchers, they found out that during Germany's matches at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the number of cardiac emergencies in Munich increased by 2.66 times.

The researchers led by Ute Wilbert-Lampen concluded that serious football matches such as the UEFA Finals can increase an individual's risk of developing heart diseases by more than two times.

“Viewing a stressful soccer match more than doubles the risk of an acute cardiovascular event. In view of this excess risk, particularly in men with known coronary heart disease, preventive measures are urgently needed,” they said.

To tackle the risks, they recommended that serious consideration should be given to  beta-blockers, aspirin and other drugs to fans with pre-existing heart problems, they also suggested “behaviour therapy for coping with stress”.

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