UAE | Leisure
Olympics could cause ill health
Health officials have warned people not to get too excited over the coming Olympic Games, after many in the UAE suffered heart attacks during highly-charged sport events in the past.
- By Nina Muslim, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:35 August 3, 2008
Dubai: Health officials have warned people not to get too excited over the coming Olympic Games, after many in the UAE suffered heart attacks during highly-charged sport events in the past.
Studies have shown cardiovascular emergencies increase during sporting events.
During the 2006 World Cup Germany reported 3.26 more heart attacks and other heart problems in men, and 1.82 more for women, than usual figures.
Dr Afzalhussain Yousufali, consultant cardiologist-in-charge at Dubai Hospital, told Gulf News watching sports could be riskier than actually playing the game.
"Every time there is an India-Pakistan cricket final, there is an increase in heart attack patients. Whenever there is stress or excitement, the heart rate and blood pressure goes up.
"This combination increases stress on the arteries of the heart," he said.
Dr Yousufali added the Olympics might cause the same symptoms among sport enthusiasts in the UAE, although to a lesser extent. The 2008 Olympic Games begin on Friday.
Dr Salvin George, specialist registrar at the Rashid Hospital Trauma Centre, agreed, saying there was a risk of heart problems, despite the Olympics not figuring high on the list of local sport enthusiasts.
In a press statement, Dr Klaus Kallmayer, chairman of the German Heart Centre in Bremen and head of Cardiology at the City Hospital in Dubai Healthcare City, said heart patients should take precautions when watching sports.
He advised patients to be aware of their condition and to consult their doctor instead of self-medicating.
More from UAE Leisure
More from UAE
Latest news
- Sharjah boy tops Indian board's class 12 exams
- Dubai number plates auction raises Dh27m
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Smart e-Gate system launched
- Cyber infidelity creeping out of virtual domain
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
