Super Bowl may be hazardous to health

News9.com and the Associated Press

NEW YORK -- For rabid New York Giants and New England Patriots fans, Sunday's Super Bowl could be a health hazard.

A new study reports heart emergencies doubled in Munich, Germany when the nation's soccer team played in World Cup matches. One study author wrote that the Super Bowl could have a similar effect on Americans.

Previous studies have suggested events like earthquakes and war can boost the risk of heart problems. Findings for soccer games have been inconsistent, however.

The latest study in Munich included heart attacks, cardiac arrests, episodes of irregular heartbeat and activations of automatic implanted defibrillators.

The authors also acknowledge the possible role of lack of sleep, overeating, wolfing down junk food, drinking more alcoholic beverages and smoking.

The results are published in the New England Journal of Medicine.