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Die-hard football fans experience high BP and serious stress – Research reveals

A study by Oxford has revealed that die-hard football fans are likely experience dangerous levels of stress.

Die-hard football fans experience high BP and serious stress – Research reveals

The research suggests footballs fans who are so passionate about their clubs put themselves at a risk of heart attack.

Saliva from Brazilian fans during the Selecao’s historic loss to Germany at the 2014 World Cup was tested for the study.

The BBC reports that the study found levels of that hormone cortisol rocketed during the 7-1 home defeat in the semi-final to Germany.

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An increase of the hormone cortisol tends to increase the blood pressure and strain on the heart.

This was disclosed by Dr Martha Newson, researcher at the Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion, at Oxford.

"Fans who are strongly fused with their team - that is, have a strong sense of being 'one' with their team - experience the greatest physiological stress response when watching a match," Dr. Newson said.

"Fans who are more casual supporters also experience stress but not so extremely."

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Explaining further, she said the cortisol levels in 40 fans' saliva were tested before, during and after three World Cup matches.

The University of Oxford researchers said the most stressful game at the tournament by far was the semi-final.

Advising clubs on how to reduce the stress levels of fans, Dr. Newson said: "Clubs may be able to offer heart screenings or other health measures to highly committed fans who are at the greatest risk of experiencing increased stress during the game.”

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