WATCHING sport raises the risk of heart attack or stroke, doctors have warned.
Telly viewers saw heart rates soar by 75 per cent, while those of spectators at a live event rose more than 100 per cent, a study found.
The stress this places on the heart is equivalent to a vigorous workout, such as a run or cycle.
Researchers at the University of Montreal monitored heart rates of fans watching the Montreal
Canadiens ice hockey team. The worst moments were during any scoring chances and “golden goal” extra-time.
Prof Paul Khairy, who worked on the study, said: “Our results indicate that viewing a game can cause intense emotional stress, as manifested by marked increases in heart rate.
“Our analysis of events supports the notion it is not the outcome that mainly determines the intensity, it is the excitement of viewing high- intensity portions of it.” Heart expert Dr David Waters, of San
Francisco, said: “At-risk patients should be warned of symptoms and told to seek medical attention if they develop.”
ONE in four heart attack victims leaves their job less than a year after returning, ending up on benefits, a Danish study of 39,000 found.