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Brain & Heart Soccer fandom: A new cardiovascular risk factor

team. True to his nickname, he opted for a “Panenka style” in social networks (which deserve urgent study) have
shot (for those unfamiliar with the nuances of the “king shown their potential to induce cardiovascular incidents.
sport”): a slow, central kick that would have been easily Second, most of these pathologies are influenced not only
stopped had the goalkeeper not dived early, but it sailed by genetic factors but also by sociocultural ones. When
into the net. It was unforgettable for those who watched investigating the profile of spectators most susceptible
it on television, but even more so for a Uruguayan family to these cardiovascular events, we typically find males
whose father suffered an acute myocardial infarction just over 65 years of age with a high prevalence of classic
at that moment, and unfortunately, his wife, witnessing the cardiovascular risk factors (high blood pressure, diabetes,
tragedy, experienced another type of heart attack known hypercholesterolemia, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, or
as takotsubo due to the sudden adrenergic discharge. smoking habit). Moreover, these individuals often exhibit
Fortunately, both survived, but these incidents were poor adherence to medication.
important enough for the scientific community that the Interestingly, on several occasions, the patient was
prestigious New England Journal of Medicine urged FIFA diagnosed with some cardiovascular risk factors during
to suspend penalty shootouts for public health reasons. his first admission, often due to misconceptions embedded
However, FIFA, seemingly inclined toward a “the show in social beliefs. High blood pressure does not necessarily
must go on” attitude, did not comply. cause headaches. It is possible to have diabetes without
Cardiologists are not only concerned with heart attacks; requiring insulin. Consuming a small wedge of cured cheese
arrhythmic events have also increased in these contexts, daily does not benefit cholesterol levels, especially when
leading to more episodes of palpitation, syncope, and eaten excessively. Being obese is not a mere social construct.
sudden death due to arrhythmias, ranging from benign Working 8 h a day does not equate to healthy physical
extrasystoles to more serious conditions such as atrial exercise. Contrary to popular belief, vaping is not a healthier
fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation. Young alternative to smoking a traditional cigarette, which contains
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individuals predisposed to channelopathies face the risk harmful substances such as tobacco, arsenic, and tar.
of developing potentially fatal arrhythmias triggered by
physical or emotional distress. This is a broad concept. 4. Impact of new cardiovascular risk factors
For example, case reports highlight incidents such as two On this foundation, new cardiovascular risk factors such
teenagers experiencing cardiac arrest from ventricular as environmental pollution, drug consumption, and stress
tachycardia while playing war video games, termed the come into play. Different studies have shown how negative
“Fortnite phenomenon”; another case documented a emotions (hostility, anger, sadness, indignation, frustration,
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41-year-old woman experiencing cardiac arrest (with a etc.) can trigger cardiovascular events. 10-14 This explains
primary detected rhythm of ventricular fibrillation) after why, beyond the excitement of the soccer match itself, the
a car accident. However, this was not due to the impact outcome and the spectator’s experience can significantly
but rather to an emotional argument with the other driver. impact health outcomes: more heart attacks occur when
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In addition, a 25-year-old female patient was hospitalized their team loses and fewer when their team wins. For
due to syncope that occurred immediately after her first those academic readers interested in the mechanisms
solo concert. The first emergency room electrocardiogram underlying this relationship, they lie beyond the scope of
revealed polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, which this perspective article. However, available data suggest
degenerated into ventricular fibrillation requiring that hostility has a dual effect on cardiovascular health: 15,16
cardioversion. These cases were subsequently diagnosed Directly, through psychophysiological mechanisms
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as channelopathies like catecholaminergic polymorphic linked to increased neuroendocrine and cardiovascular
ventricular tachycardia and long QT syndrome, both reactivity (altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
triggered by adrenergic stress in the absence of structural leading to increased sympathetic nervous system activity,
heart disease. Another reason to relativize. causing elevated autonomic system activity; insulin
resistance; hypertension; exaggerated inflammatory
3. Role of classical cardiovascular risk response; endothelial dysfunction; atherosclerotic plaque
factors rupture due to shear stress across the endothelial wall;
Before readers move on to the next article or stop following platelet activation; etc.) and indirectly, by correlating with
their favorite team, two aspects deserve clarification. First, increased unhealthy behaviors (smoking, alcohol abuse,
the emotions aroused by sports are not the only triggers unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, etc.).
for heart attacks and/or arrhythmias. Natural disasters, Therefore, in today’s world, where emotions such
social conflicts, and, more recently, temporary shutdowns as fear, hostility, and frustration are gaining ground, it

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2024) 2 doi: 10.36922/bh.3200