The Super Bowl Can Raise Your Heart Attack Risk. Here’s What To Do

Forbes - Feb 9th, 2025
Open on Forbes

Super Bowl LIX is set to feature a thrilling matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans. While fans are gearing up for an exciting game, health experts are cautioning against the potential heart risks associated with the stress and indulgence typical of Super Bowl events. Studies have shown that high emotional stress, combined with unhealthy eating and drinking habits, can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes among passionate football fans. This is particularly concerning for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions who may experience heightened blood pressure and heart rate during such events.

The story highlights the broader implications of these health risks, emphasizing the importance of moderation and awareness of warning signs during high-stakes games. Fans are advised to be mindful of their consumption of high-salt foods and alcohol, which are prevalent at Super Bowl parties, and to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. The narrative serves as a reminder that while the outcome of a game is significant to sports enthusiasts, maintaining one's health should remain a priority. The article underlines the necessity of balancing the excitement of sports with personal well-being, urging fans to prioritize long-term health over short-term thrills.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively raises awareness about the potential health risks associated with watching the Super Bowl, particularly in relation to cardiovascular health. It draws on scientific studies and expert opinions to support its claims, although it would benefit from more direct citations and expert quotes for enhanced credibility. The writing is clear and engaging, making complex health information accessible to a general audience. However, the article could improve its balance by acknowledging the potential benefits of sports events, such as community bonding and stress relief. Overall, the article is timely, relevant, and informative, providing valuable insights into a topic of public interest while maintaining a largely unbiased perspective.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately highlights the potential health risks associated with watching high-stakes sporting events like the Super Bowl, supported by studies published in reputable journals such as the American Journal of Cardiology. The claims about increased heart attack risks due to emotional stress and unhealthy eating habits during the game are consistent with findings from cardiologists and medical literature. However, the article could improve its precision by providing specific references to the studies mentioned, as well as verifying the Google Trends data on popular Super Bowl snacks. Overall, the story is largely truthful and verifiable, with minor areas needing further verification.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the health risks associated with watching the Super Bowl, providing a detailed examination of potential cardiovascular issues. However, it lacks a broader perspective that includes potential benefits of sports events, such as community bonding and stress relief. The tone is somewhat biased towards highlighting negative health impacts, without acknowledging that many viewers might not experience such issues. Including a more balanced viewpoint could enhance the article's fairness by presenting both risks and benefits associated with watching the Super Bowl.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the potential health risks associated with watching the Super Bowl. The language is accessible and engaging, making complex medical concepts understandable to a general audience. However, the use of humor and casual tone in some sections may detract from the seriousness of the health warnings. Maintaining a more consistent tone throughout would improve clarity without sacrificing readability.

6
Source quality

The article references studies from reputable journals, such as the American Journal of Cardiology and Current Problems in Cardiology, which adds credibility to its claims. However, it does not provide direct citations or detailed descriptions of these studies, making it difficult for readers to independently verify the information. The lack of attributed quotes from experts or direct links to the studies diminishes the overall reliability of the sources used. Incorporating more direct references and expert opinions would improve the source quality.

5
Transparency

While the article discusses various health risks associated with watching the Super Bowl, it lacks transparency in terms of providing direct references to the studies and data it mentions. The absence of specific study names or authors makes it challenging for readers to assess the validity of the claims. Additionally, the article does not reveal any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect its impartiality. Greater transparency in sourcing and methodology would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to better understand the basis of its claims.

Sources

  1. https://www.cleveland13news.com/story/cleveland-clinic-doctor-warns-football-fans-about-heart-attack-risks-during-super-bowl-stress
  2. https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/health-library/all/2022/02/super-bowl-and-heart-attacks-it-really-thing
  3. https://www.ajc.com/pulse/is-your-heart-in-the-game-doctors-says-the-super-bowl-can-break-it/VOHDVNHMKNDWFB4MWSYE3AUXY4/
  4. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/02/07/super-bowl-letdown-the-big-game-can-be-stressful-but-you-can-stay-heart-healthy
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23979499/