Did you know the risk of having a heart attack increases around the time of the Super Bowl? It's a time when major risk factors for heart disease, such as eating poorly, smoking, drinking alcohol, and dehydration, occur at the same time. While watching the game, stressors are placed on the body while cheering on a team and indulging in fatty, high-caloric food, like wings and beer.
So, how do you decrease your risk for a heart attack and still embrace your sacred Super Bowl traditions? The answer is coping mechanisms. "It's about stress management and how you deal with stress," says John Ryan, MD, FACC, FAHA, a specialist in cardiovascular medicine at University of Utah Health.
Five Tips to Decrease Your Risk for a Heart Attack
- Take breaks with the players. According to Dr. Ryan, dehydration is a common occurrence before a heart attack. When the players take a water break, so should you. Make sure you drink water before each swig of beer. This will not only keep you hydrated, but also lower your alcohol intake, decreasing your chance of having a heart attack.
- A timeout on the field means time out at the party. With the distraction of friends, knee slapping commercials, and an exciting game, mindless eating can take over. Use each timeout to take a break from snacking.
- Choose one healthy snack. Eating healthy may seem impossible at a Super Bowl party, but picking one healthy food to eat with the rest of your Super Bowl feast helps. Throw some veggies and dip on your plate or even go for baked chips.
- Four quarters means four walks. At the end of each quarter, get up and walk around the room. Moving around will allow your food to digest so you feel full and avoid overeating.
- Prepare for both outcomes. I know you think your team has it in the bag, but sports can be unpredictable. On the off chance that your team loses, create a plan now to cope and avoid any rash behavior.
As you prepare to watch the game, remember the five guidelines to modify your risk of having a heart attack and getting the most out of your Super Bowl Sunday.