Was your heart pounding the last time you watched a Saints' game? Were you nervous and on the edge of your seat during the game?
Can a Black & Gold battle be bad for your health?
As each week has passed with another Saints' victory, the stakes have gotten higher, and so have our stress levels. But, can the game have an effect on our hearts?
"Like any other sporting event, some people take things a littler bit more seriously than others," says Dr. Michael Castine, Interventional Cardiologist at Ochsner Health Center. "And that can certainly result in an adrenaline rush, especially when things get tight on the field."
He says an adrenaline rush can have negative effects on those with cardiac problems.
The frequency and intensity of tense moments during a game are likely to get your heart racing, as adrenaline increases your heart rate and blood pressure. And, the more “high stakes” moments in the game, the faster someone's heart may beat.
It's important to distinguish between normal indicators of stress and more serious symptoms. Symptoms to watch out for in high stress situations include palpitations, headaches, dizziness and severe chest pain. If any of these symptoms occur, especially if they persist, one should seek immediate medical attention.
So, is watching a Saints game dangerous?
"I wouldn't say it's dangerous, no," states Dr. Castine. "I would say, if you have known cardiac issues, you might want to take it easy during these games."
And, he says you also might want to lay off the alcohol and fatty foods that often accompany a Saints' watching party.
So have the Saints been sending fans to their physicians?
"It's hard to say. I don't think I've ever seen an uptick in consultations in the hospital or in the office after a Saints' game. But, I will say that we notice a downtick in hospital activity during a Saints' game. Nobody wants to come into the hospital, for obvious reasons."
He says the euphoria that comes with a Saints' victory is something to be enjoyed. Happiness has been proven time and time again to be beneficial to your health and there is nothing that makes the Who Dat Nation happier than seeing a Black and Gold victory.