 |
|
ESC Congress 2003: Watch football and die?
August 31, 2003IMPORTANT: This press release accompanies a poster or oral session given at the ESC Congress 2003. Written by the investigator himself/herself, this press release does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Society of Cardiology
ESC Congress 2003: Our study shows an increase in out-of-hospital sudden cardiac deaths in the adult population of Switzerland during the 2002 FIFA World Cup in comparison to the same period in 2001. Based on this observation we suggest the reinforcement of pre-hospital cardiac care during major sporting tournaments as well as special counseling to patients and their families by their general practitioners before such events.
Psychological stress and anger are documented triggers of myocardial infarction. It has already been described in environmental disasters (Athens and Los Angeles earthquakes) or at the peak of the Iraqi missile attacks on Israel. Knowing that more than 80% of cardiac arrests in adults are linked to myocardial infarction, we wanted to test the hypothesis that mental stress and anger increase the rate of sudden cardiac death in adult populations. In Switzerland 2002 FIFA World Cup was a very successful sporting event watched by a major part of the Swiss adult population. According to FIFA data the total TV audience of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Switzerland was close to 11 million (Main resident population of Switzerland - 7.2 million inhabitants). As psychological stress and anger are common for most viewers of soccer, we predicted an increase of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests during this competition.
In Switzerland, as in most European countries as well as in the USA, central registers of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac deaths are non-existent. However the MICU's (Mobile Intensive Care Units) qualified to carry out the emergency cardiac care are also very often called in to confirm deaths. MICU's registers of major cities of French and Italian speaking provinces of Switzerland were analyzed for the FIFA 2002 World Cup period and compared to the same period in 2001.
A significant, 60% increase of the out-of-hospital cardiac arrests was noted during FIFA 2002 World Cup. Among people having suffered cardiac arrest during FIFA, competition an increase in the proportion of males and deaths at home has also been found. Even if it is impossible to prove that all victims of out of hospital sudden cardiac deaths were soccer play viewers, the important increase of cardiac arrests during the football matches was observed and is unlikely to be only due to hazard. We interpret this by an increase in mental stress, alcohol and tobacco consumption and decreased medical observance and physical activity of football supporters.
These data need to be confirmed by other observations. Nevertheless, we can already advise general practitioners to inform their patients and their families before major sporting events about the risks of unhealthy behavior and medical non-observance. The media can provide more information to the general public about practical measures to adopt in case of cardiac symptoms, myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest (e.g "call first - call fast" campaign, "basic life support" campaign) and thereby increase the chances for successful resuscitation. The reinforcement of the emergency cardiac care systems (e.g. increased number of physicians and paramedics on call, changes in automated defibrillators deployment strategies, development of public access defibrillation programs) during major environmental events may also be proposed in order to reduce the burden of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
Dr Euge'ne Katz, Dr Jacques Metzger, Dr Juerg Schlaepfer, Professor Martin Fromer, Professor Lukas Kappenberger
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
Stress Current Events and Stress News RSSSleeping in school
Up to 10% of children starting school suffer from sleep disturbances and these may lead to poor performance or behavioral difficulties.
Why the 'perfect' body isn't always perfect
Having an imperfect body may come with some substantial benefits for some women, according to a new article in the December issue of Current Anthropology.
Plants display 'molecular amnesia'
Plant researchers from McGill University and the University of California, Berkeley, have announced a major breakthrough in a developmental process called epigenetics. They have demonstrated for the first time the reversal of what is called epigenetic silencing in plants.
EEGs show brain differences between poor and rich kids
University of California, Berkeley, researchers have shown for the first time that the brains of low-income children function differently from the brains of high-income kids.
Stress-related disorders affect brain's processing of memory
Researchers using functional MRI (fMRI) have determined that the circuitry in the area of the brain responsible for suppressing memory is dysfunctional in patients suffering from stress-related psychiatric disorders. Results of the study will be presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
Newborns exposed to maternal smoking more irritable, difficult to soothe
Previous studies have shown that babies exposed to tobacco in utero are more likely to have a low birth weight and are at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome.
Self-powered devices possible, says Texas A&M researcher
Imagine a self-powering cell phone that never needs to be charged because it converts sound waves produced by the user into the energy it needs to keep running. It's not as far-fetched as it may seem thanks to the recent work of Tahir Cagin, a professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University.
Selenium may slow march of AIDS
Increasing the production of naturally occurring proteins that contain selenium in human blood cells slows down multiplication of the AIDS virus, according to biochemists.
Lower childhood IQ associated with higher risk of adult mental disorders
Researchers have hypothesized that people with lower IQs may have a higher risk of adult mental disorders, but few studies have looked at the relationship between low childhood IQ and psychiatric disorders later in life.
MRI shows new types of injuries in young gymnasts
Adolescent gymnasts are developing a wide variety of arm, wrist and hand injuries that are beyond the scope of previously described gymnastic-related trauma, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
More Stress Current Events and Stress News Articles
 | The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) by Martha Davis, Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, Matthew McKay, Patrick Fanning The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook broke new ground when it was first published in 1980, detailing easy, step-by-step techniques for calming the body and mind in an increasingly overstimulated world. Now in its sixth edition, this workbook, highly regarded by therapists and their clients, remains the "go-to" source for stress reduction strategies that can be incorporated into even the... |
 | I.O.U.S.A.: One Nation. Under Stress. In Debt. by Addison Wiggin, Kate Incontrera The United States has been spending its way deeper and deeper into the red, and saddling future generations with the mess—but who's paying attention? To answer that question, the companion book to the critically acclaimed documentary I.O.U.S.A. talks with some of the most revered voices in the nation, including Warren Buffett; former Treasury Secretaries Paul O’Neill and Robert Rubin; Pete... |
 | Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome by James L. Wilson This is an incredibly informative and reader-friendly book about a common debilitating medical condition that goes largely undiagnosed and untreated. ADRENAL FATIGUE: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome is a very empowering work cram-packed with vital information about a condition that very likely affects millions of... |
 | Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen In today's world, yesterday's methods just don't work. In Getting Things Done, veteran coach and management consultant David Allen shares the breakthrough methods for stress-free performance that he has introduced to tens of thousands of people across the country. Allen's premise is simple: our productivity is directly proportional to our ability to relax. Only when our minds are clear and our... |
 | Addicted to Stress: A Woman's 7 Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life by Debbie Mandel In this highly original program for stress reduction, stress management expert and radio personality Debbie Mandel explains that women who are constantly stressed out have forgotten the dreams of the free-spirited girl living inside them before they became somebody’s wife, mother, or workplace colleague. Debbie Mandel offers seven proven steps to help women overcome daily stressors and reclaim... |
 | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook by Glenn R. Schiraldi For the millions who suffer from the effects of a traumatic experience, this book offers help and hope and provides the diverse elements needed for lasting recovery. Trauma can take many forms, from the most disturbing of circumstances such as witnessing a murder or violent crime to the subtle trauma of living with the effects of abuse or alcoholism. Deep emotional wounds often seem like they... |
 | Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain by Warren Young, Richard Budynas Solutions-based approach to quick calculations in structural element design and analysis Now updated with 30% new material, Roark Formulas for Stress and Strain, Seventh Edition, is the ultimate resource for designers, engineers, and analysts who need to calculate loads and stress. This landmark reference from Warren Young and Richard Budynas provides you with equations and diagrams of... |
 | Stress Management for Dummies by Allen Elkin Does the hectic pace of modern life put you in a bind? Are your ulcers having ulcers? It's time to give yourself a break. Stress Management For Dummies can help you discover how to lower your stress level immediately. Find out what causes the most stress for people and how to avoid some of the ramifications of not dealing with that stress, such as poor health, broken marriages, and premature... |
 | 10 Simple Solutions to Stress: How to Tame Tension And Start Enjoying Your Life (10 Simple Solutions) by Claire Michaels Wheeler It’s practically the watchword of modern American life. We all know we should learn to manage it. We know that it can shorten our lives, age us prematurely, make us fat. We know it can cause a host of physical and psychological problems, from heart disease to impotence—but we all seem to keep suffering from it. One more thing we all know is that, ultimately, we are responsible for reducing... |
 | The Stress Answer: Train Your Brain to Conquer Depression and Anxiety in 45 Days by Dr. Frank Lawlis The bestselling author of The ADD Answer and The IQ Answer offers a powerful remedy for a universal maladyDr. Frank Lawlis has helped hundreds of thousands of families cope with learning disorders, attention deficit disorder, and emotional disconnection. Now he takes on the single biggest difficulty that most of us, children and adults, face every day: stress. In the workplace, at school, and in... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |