It’s a familiar scene for many Canadians during playoffs for the Stanley Cup: your team is in overtime, the puck hits the post and then slides in the goal. The crowd gasps—and then goes wild, with hearts racing and blood pressure spiking.
And blood pressure is rising from coast to coast to coast: It’s the first time in 20 years that three Canadian hockey teams have moved on to the second round. The last time a team based in Canada actually won the Stanley Cup was in 1993.
With Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal all advancing to the second round, the emotional rollercoaster of playoff hockey is very real, especially for die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs fans who have been waiting for the Cup to come home since 1967. But could this high-stakes fandom of Canada’s national winter sport actually pose a risk to your heart?
Surprisingly, yes. Watching thrilling sports events—especially in groups where emotional intensity builds—can trigger real, measurable effects on the cardiovascular system. In some cases, it may even be dangerous for people with underlying heart conditions. So, what’s going on in the body, and what can hockey lovers do to stay safe?
The Research: Hockey, Heart Rates, and Health Risks
A 2017 Canadian study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that watching hockey can significantly increase heart rate—especially when watching live in person or on television. The study monitored 20 healthy participants during Montreal Canadiens games and found that heart rates increased by 75% during high-stress game moments, equivalent to the rise during moderate-to-vigorous exercise.
International research has confirmed similar patterns around soccer matches in Europe and World Cup games globally. Emotional stress really can affect heart health.
Why Does It Happen?
Watching sports—especially high-stakes playoff games—can activate the body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This leads to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and vascular tension, all of which place strain on the cardiovascular system.
When you’re in a crowd, the effect amplifies. Emotional contagion—the way emotions spread socially—can elevate stress even more. The noise, tension, and shared hope (or despair) intensify the experience, pushing heart rates higher still.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Most healthy people can tolerate these temporary increases in heart rate. But for those with existing cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or a history of heart attacks, the emotional stress of a playoff game could be risky.
In fact, cardiologists sometimes compare it to another Canadian heart hazard: shovelling snow. Both involve sudden exertion or stress, often in people who are otherwise sedentary or unaware of their underlying heart risks.
What Can Fans Do to Protect Themselves?
You don’t have to give up playoff hockey—but a few precautions can help safeguard your heart:
❤️ Playoff Heart Health: 6 Ways to Stay Safe
- Know your risk: If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or a family history of cardiac events, talk to your doctor about your heart health—especially before a stressful season.
- Take your meds: Be diligent with prescribed medications, especially blood pressure and heart medications, during playoff season.
- Watch with moderation: Consider stepping away during the most intense moments to take a break—especially if you feel chest tightness, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
- Avoid stimulants: Playoffs can often mean lots of beer and unhealthy fried or high-fat processed foods. Try to limit caffeine, alcohol, and high-sodium snacks on game night.
- Practice calming techniques: Deep breathing, mindfulness, or even pacing your viewing with a walk at intermission can help regulate stress levels.
- Stay active year-round: A strong, conditioned heart handles stress better. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to prepare for playoff season.
Brought to you by The Health Insider
Your team may bring you glory, or may break your heart (figuratively) but with the right precautions, they don’t have to do it literally. Intense emotional stress during games is real, and for those at risk, it’s worth planning ahead. After all, if this is the year that your team goes all the way, you’ll want to be around to see it.
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The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
