A matter of life and death: population mortality and football results.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether football results are associated with mortality from circulatory disease.


METHODS
Retrospective study, comparing mortality on days of football matches between 18 August 1994 and 28 December 1999 with the results of the football matches.


METHODS
Newcastle and North Tyneside, Sunderland, Tees, and Leeds Health Authority areas of England.


METHODS
All persons resident in Newcastle and North Tyneside, Sunderland, Tees, and Leeds Health Authority areas of England.


METHODS
Mortality attributable to acute myocardial infarction and stroke.


RESULTS
On days when the local professional football team lost at home, mortality attributable to acute myocardial infarction and stroke increased significantly in men (relative risk 1.28, 95% confidence intervals 1.11 to 1.47). No increase was observed in women.


CONCLUSIONS
Results achieved by the local professional football team are associated systematically with circulatory disease death rates over a five year period in men, but not women.
Kirkup
W
W
NHS Northern and Yorkshire, Durham University Science Park, Durham, UK. Bill.Kirkup@doh.gsi.gov.uk
Merrick
D W
DW
D002423:Cause of Death; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012916:Soccer / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality*