Olympics could cause ill health

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.