Super Bowl Stress: Heart Attack Risks for Fans

Emotional intensity and unhealthy habits during the big game can spike cardiac events, experts warn.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A spike in cardiac events in Super Bowl team cities could be linked to supercharged emotions during and after the game, researchers say. The emotional stress, combined with poor lifestyle habits like binge eating and drinking, can pose cardiovascular health risks for diehard fans, especially those with a history of coronary disease. Experts advise fans to minimize alcohol and fatty food consumption, take breaks from the action if it's too stressful, and avoid social media after a loss to keep the game in perspective.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl is the high-stakes pinnacle of the NFL season, and the intense passions and mental stress produced by the big game have been linked to increased risk of cardiac events, especially for fans of the losing team. This highlights the need for awareness and preventive measures to protect fans' health during the excitement of the Super Bowl.

The details

Studies have found that cardiac death rates can climb by as much as 20% on Super Bowl Sunday, with the risk even higher for fans of the losing team. The emotional stress activates the body's fight-or-flight response, surging stress hormones like adrenaline and elevating heart rates and blood pressure. Combined with poor lifestyle habits like binge eating and drinking, this can lead to heart attacks and other cardiac events, especially for those with underlying heart conditions.

  • The 2021 study examined health data surrounding the 2006 World Cup in Germany, finding that six of the national team's seven World Cup games were associated with a spike in cardiac emergencies.
  • A separate study looked at health data in Los Angeles County in the two weeks beginning Super Bowl Sunday in 1980 and 1984, finding cardiac death rates climbed after the Los Angeles Rams' 1980 loss to Pittsburgh and fell after the L.A. Raiders' 1984 win over Washington.

The players

Tamara Horwich

A cardiologist and professor at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine who explains how the supercharged emotions and stress of a dramatic game can activate the body's sympathetic nervous system, elevating heart rates and blood pressure.

Michael Chan

A 49ers fan who leads the complex coronary intervention program at Providence St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, California, and advises patients to enjoy the game but keep it in perspective.

Daniel Wann

A professor of psychology at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, and lead author of 'Sport Fans: The Psychology and Social Impact of Fandom,' who discusses the intense emotional attachment fans have to their teams.

Brandon Mastromartino

An assistant professor of experiential marketing at San Diego State University who provides tips for fans to alleviate the emotional stress of a loss, such as watching the game with supportive people and avoiding social media.

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What they’re saying

“Being a sports fan is part of your identity. When your team wins, it feels like a personal win; when they lose, it feels like a personal loss.”

— Brandon Mastromartino, Assistant Professor of Experiential Marketing, San Diego State University (USA TODAY)

“I tell my patients, enjoy the game but keep it in perspective. We live and breathe with our teams but we have to understand there are more important things in life. You are more important to your family unit than any team can be.”

— Michael Chan, Cardiologist, Providence St. Jude Medical Center (USA TODAY)

What’s next

The American Heart Association's mobile unit offering CPR training at the Super Bowl Experience festivities in San Francisco is a proactive step to help educate fans on emergency cardiac care, in light of the increased risk of heart attacks during the big game.

The takeaway

The Super Bowl's intense emotions and unhealthy fan behaviors can pose serious cardiovascular health risks, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. By being mindful of their habits, taking breaks, and keeping the game in perspective, fans can still enjoy the excitement of the big game while prioritizing their well-being.