Football Fans Suffer So Much Stress They're In Risk Of Heart Attacks According To Experts

A study of football fans during Brazil's famous 7-1 loss to Germany has shown that devoted fans are in risk of heart attack due to the stress their body goes through in a game.

An Oxford study of the saliva of fans during the 2014 World Cup semi-final between hosts Brazil and eventual champions Germany found that levels of the hormone cortisol were much higher in 'devoted fans.'

High levels of cortisol can lead to constricted blood vessels, higher blood pressure and damage an already weakened heart.

Researcher Dr Martha Newson spoke to the BBC about the findings, saying, "Fans who are strongly fused with their team - that is, have a strong sense of being 'one' with their team - experience the greatest physiological stress response when watching a match.

"Fans who are more casual supporters also experience stress but not so extremely."

40 fans had their saliva tested before, during and after three matches and speaking about the historic 7-1 match Dr Newson, added, "It was a harrowing match - so many people stormed out sobbing."

There was a lot of pressure on Brazil as hosts of the competition and they were hoping to bury the history of the 1950 World Cup, the last time the competition had been played in the country.

Instead of removing the loss in the 'final' against Uruguay they simply replaced the horror with another as Germany were dominant from the first whistle.

Toni Kroos celebrates Germany's third of the rout. Image: PA Images

The 'visitors' were 5-0 up inside the first 30 minutes, leaving the tournament hosts absolutely shell shocked, with goals from Thomas Muller, Miroslav Klose, Sami Khedira and a brace from Toni Kroos.

Andre Schurrle added the sixth and seventh in extra time, coming on as a substitute in the 58th minute, before Oscar scored the most underwhelming consolation in injury time.

Brazil players couldn't work out what was going on. Image: PA Images

Fans inside any stadium, or watching at home, would certainly be able to vouch that the stress really affects them during a game, although many would have thought a tight game would hit them more.

The 7-1 was over before it could really get started and Germany went on to win the World Cup when they beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the final.

What's the most stressful game you've watched for your team?

Topics: Football News, Football fans, Fans

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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