This chart shows a breakdown of hockey events likely to raise heart rate.
(Image via Canadian Journal of Cardiology)
As the new hockey season kicks off, mind your heart: A new study suggests that watching hockey can cause significant cardiovascular stress, similar to that of moderate to vigorous physical exercise. Researchers observed two groups of sports fans using Holter monitors, with one group watching hockey games on TV and the other attending the games in person. Their findings showed a 75% boost in heart rate in the first group and a 110% increase in the in-person attendees. Study authors also found that peak heart rates occurred most frequently during any scoring opportunity and during overtime. The study was originally designed and presented by two secondary school students at the Royal West Academy in Montreal (pictured).
Authors:
Leia T. Khairy, Roxana Barin, Fabrice Demonière, MD, Christine Villemaire, MSc, Marie-Josée Billo, RN, Jean-Claude Tardif, MD, Laurent Macle, MD, Paul Khairy, MD, PhD, Paul Khairy
Lead author:
Paul Khairy, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, QC, Email: paul.khairy@umontreal.ca
Original paper published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology on October 4, 2017.
