Watching National Team Matches in World Cup Soccer 2014 on Television was Associated with Increasing Frequency of Premature Ventricular Contractions

Abstract

Emotional stress is well known as a risk factor for cardiovascular events [1-3]. However, the risk of cardiovascular events caused by watching soccer games remains controversial. Until now, there has been no multicenter study that has investigated the relationship between watching soccer games and cardiac arrhythmia evaluated by 24-hours Holter Electrocardiography (Holter ECG). World Cup Soccer (WCS) was held in Brazil from June to July 2014. In this study, we investigated the frequency of arrhythmia and ischemic changes using Holter ECG in patients with cardiovascular diseases and those suspected of having cardiac disease during the Japan National Team's matches in WCS 2014.

A Comprehensive Approach for Preventing Cardiovascular Events During the Olympic and Paralympic Games

“…We also assessed 25 patients who were evaluated for ischemic changes and/or arrhythmia using 24 h Holter electrocardiography in four cardiology divisions during the 2014 WCS. The frequency of PVCs during and 1 h before matches was significantly higher in the watching group than in the non-watching group 65) (Figure-9). These data suggest that watching football on television network may be as hazardous as playing football, particularly in patients with or suspected of having cardiovascular diseases.…”