Watching an intense sporting event, such as Indonesian Badminton Star Gregoria Mariska Tunjung’s matches at the 2024 Olympics, can trigger an increase in heart rate and feelings of nervousness.
Heart and vascular specialist Dr Vito A. Damay, SpJP, explains that the adrenaline released during these tense moments is part of the body’s natural physiological response to stress. However, it is important to understand the impact of this physiological response on heart health, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
Physiological Responses to Stress and Increased Heart Rate
When watching a thrilling match, the body releases adrenaline, a stress hormone the adrenal glands produce. Adrenaline causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure as part of the “fight or flight” response. This survival mechanism prepares the body to deal with dangerous situations by increasing blood flow to the muscles and brain.
This response is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and affects the heart by increasing the frequency of heart contractions and increasing cardiac output. While this is a normal reaction, for individuals with underlying heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease (CAD) or heart failure, a prolonged increase in heart rate can lead to serious complications.
Health Risks for People with Heart Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is when the arteries that supply blood to the heart are narrowed due to plaque build-up. When the heart rate increases significantly, the load on the heart increases, and this can worsen the narrowing of the arteries, increasing the risk of angina (chest pain) or heart attack. Patients with CAD should be extra cautious of changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
Heart failure is another condition that requires special attention. In heart failure, the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, so an increase in heart rate can worsen symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. Heart rhythm disturbances, or arrhythmias, can also be a risk when the body is under extreme stress. Arrhythmias can cause irregular heartbeats and potentially trigger serious conditions such as ventricular fibrillation.
Strategies to Maintain Heart Health While Watching
Dr Vito offers some strategies to maintain heart health during intense moments. Firstly, avoid drinks containing alcohol and caffeine as both can affect the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Caffeine, as a stimulant, can increase anxiety and cause heart palpitations, while alcohol can disrupt the heart rhythm.
Secondly, deep breathing techniques can help relieve tension and stabilise the heart rate. Deep, slow breathing exercises stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which works to lower heart rate and blood pressure. It is an effective technique to manage stress and minimise the negative impact on the heart.
Thirdly, taking a short break when the game is too stressful is a good way to reduce physical and emotional tension. Light activities such as walking or stretching can help relieve tension and improve blood circulation, which is beneficial for heart health.
The Importance of Regular Health Checks
Regular health check-ups are an important step to monitor the condition of the heart and detect potential problems early. Tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate the heart’s electrical activity, a cardiac stress test to assess the heart’s response to physical activity, and coronary angiography to visualise the heart’s blood vessels can help identify any blockages or disorders.
Regular check-ups can detect risk factors such as hypertension and high cholesterol, which are often the cause of heart disease. By knowing the overall condition of the heart, individuals can take the necessary preventive measures to reduce the risk of complications.
Maintaining a healthy heart is a priority, especially when facing stressful situations such as watching a sports match. Understanding the body’s physiological response to stress and its impact on the heart, as well as following strategies to manage stress and having regular health check-ups, can help reduce the risk of heart problems. With proper attention to your heart health, you can enjoy stressful moments with peace of mind.
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