Study reveals being a football fan can be bad for your heart
Feb 5, 2026, 5:05 PM | Updated: Feb 6, 2026, 3:14 pm
The Big Game will be broadcast in more than 230 countries with an estimated worldwide audience of over 1 billion people.
Talker Research says a recent study revealed that football fans’ average stress levels and heart rates are higher on game day. The study monitored 200 fans.
Fans’ average stress levels hit their highest point in the hours before kick off while their heart rate was also higher on match day, according to the findings. Heart rate was higher among supporters watching inside the stadium than those watching on TV.
Heart rate was also 5 percent higher among fans who had consumed alcohol, compared to those who had stayed off the booze.
The emotional stress of watching football causes a “football fever” effect, which can result in a 41 percent higher mean stress level on match days compared to non-match days. This stress has been associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
The environment of watching a game—often involving, sitting for 3+ hours, eating high-calorie/salty snacks and drinking alcohol—can cause blood pressure to spike and put extra strain on the heart.
Watching football, particularly high stakes games, trigger cardiovascular stress, significantly elevated heart rates and potential heart attacks, especially in high risk individuals. The combination of intense emotional highs/lows, prolonged sedentary behavior and consumption of unhealthy food or alcohol during watch parties poses risks to heart health.
Read more football fans and their health risks here.
