Habs fans can all agree the rush of adrenaline during a playoff game can make it feel like you’re having a heart attack, but for some, the risk is more than just a feeling.
While Montreal emergency rooms have reported some easing during playoff games, the Montreal Heart Institute is reporting the opposite. The hospital has seen an increase in patient volume of more than 20 per cent.
Game time can bring emotional and environmental stress that has been linked to acute cardiac problems.
“More directly, the rush of adrenaline from the emotional investment of Montreal Canadiens fans can trigger a cardiac event in susceptible or vulnerable individuals,” said Dr. Hung Ly, an interventional cardiologist in the Hemodynamics Department at the Montreal Heart Institute. “These are not always people already known to have heart disease.”
Dr. Ly explained that the thrill of a hockey victory, specifically, may put younger men at an increased risk of a heart attack. The study found that winning games produced more heart attacks than losses.
“That was the surprising finding of the study,” said Dr. Ly. “We found a 40 per cent increase in major heart attacks, what we call myocardial infarctions, following a victory. People often say the agony of defeat is hard to bear, but our study showed the opposite: the euphoria of victory could lead to more cardiac events, especially among highly invested fans like Habs fans.”
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In the study, researchers found the patients most affected were mainly men between the ages of 50 and 55 who were overweight smokers with high cholesterol.
“These lifestyle habits can create a perfect storm, especially during Canadiens playoff runs where repeated behaviours are common: going to restaurants, drinking more beer, eating processed foods like chicken wings, fries, burgers, and so on,” explained Dr. Ly.
Researchers also found a difference in heart rate depending on where fans watched the game.
“When people watched games at home, their heart rate increased to about 75 per cent above baseline, while being live at the Bell Centre, or the Forum back then, increased it up to 110 per cent,” said Dr. Ly.
“That tells us there’s activation of what we call the adrenergic system, meaning a release of adrenaline that can lead not only to heart attacks, but also arrhythmias and other major cardiac events.”
ERs around the city have noticed quieter waiting rooms during game nights. Dr. Ly says this could be the result of patients delaying ER visits for less urgent concerns in order not to miss anything. While that may be true for some medical issues, when it comes to matters of the heart, waiting can be much riskier.
“At a specialized cardiovascular hospital like the Montreal Heart Institute, patients with chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath still come in regardless of whether a game is on because these symptoms can’t always wait,” said Dr. Ly.
Researchers also found an increase in the activation of Quebec’s emergency response system for major cardiac events and heart attacks. These emergencies require immediate treatment. Patients either call 911 or come directly to the ER, triggering the cardiac team to respond.
“At the Montreal Heart Institute, we do see more consultations for high blood pressure or palpitations during playoff games, but we also see more heart attacks, especially following a victory,” added Dr. Ly.
Realistically, telling Canadiens fans they can’t enjoy the game while the team is on the cusp of winning the Stanley Cup is nearly impossible, but Dr. Ly offered tips on how to watch the game without ending up in the ER.
“Before the game, maintain your usual habits,” explained Dr. Ly. “You can splurge a bit, but don’t overdo it. If you already have heart disease, don’t skip your medication during the game. If you feel emotional or notice symptoms coming on, take a small timeout. Slow things down, walk away from the TV, and monitor your symptoms.”
Fans should pay attention to symptoms such as chest pain, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, palpitations, or nearly losing consciousness.
“Those are symptoms people should take seriously and seek medical attention for sooner rather than later,” added Dr. Ly.
