Haemodynamic response in soccer spectators: is Scottish football exciting?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of watching a game of Scottish football on heart rate and blood pressure.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Two Scottish Premier League football grounds.


METHODS
10 healthy men, each a supporter of one of two clubs.


METHODS
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate at home, while walking, and during the match.


RESULTS
Systolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly higher when the men were watching the match than when they were at home. While they were watching the match, heart rate was maximal immediately after a goal had been scored by the supported team.


CONCLUSIONS
The emotional stress invoked by Scottish football is associated with significant increases in heart rate and systolic blood pressure.
Elder
A T
AT
Department of Cardiology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh.
Jyothinagaram
S G
SG
Padfield
P L
PL
Shaw
T R
TR
D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012916:Soccer; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology*