SALISBURY TWP., Pa. — This weekend the pressure will be on as people across the country throw their support — and in some cases money — behind the Kansas City Chiefs or the San Francisco 49ers.
The Super Bowl is the biggest game of the year. And with it comes some big emotions.
A local cardiologist is sharing ways to keep stress levels down during this high-stakes Sunday.
"The stress of watching or anticipation of what's going to happen just kind of puts their body into overdrive."Dr. Daniel Makowski, cardiologist, Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute
"There's a lot of passionate fans out there,” said Dr. Daniel Makowski, a cardiologist at Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute.
"We know that stress in general can increase both our blood pressure and our heart rate and if there are underlying cardiac conditions, and we worry about these bringing out other cardiac conditions that may be present."
Makowski provides non-invasive cardiology and has a special interest in sports cardiology.
"We do have patients who come into the hospital during stressful games or close games," he said. "They start to develop pain or aren't feeling well.
"And it's just the stress of watching or anticipation of what's going to happen just kind of puts their body into overdrive and can sometimes elicit some symptoms which are concerning and need to be evaluated."
How to avoid, handle stress
Makowski said that if a person experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded or dizziness, or passes out, he or he should get checked out by a doctor.
He said that although the added stress can lead to health ramifications, there are a few ways to prepare for the pressure of the big game.
"The day of a big game, make sure you move your body a little bit," Makowski said. "Get some exercise, you know, go for a walk, ride a bike, try to keep yourself active before the event.”
Makowski also said to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol if possible.
"Try to make these events fun. Watch them with friends and family and be around people that you can bounce your thoughts off of during the game.Dr. Daniel Makowski, cardiologist, Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute
"Try to make these events fun," he said. "Watch them with friends and family and be around people that you can bounce your thoughts off of during the game.
"If you're feeling stressed, you can kind of use them as an outlet and talk through those situations. That kind of helps defuse some of that stress during those events."
Makowski said he’s an Eagles fan at heart, but his love for the Kelce brothers podcast and his daughter’s love of Taylor Swift have him pulling for the Chiefs to take this year’s title.
“It's a game that should be enjoyed and I think sometimes we get wrapped up so much in watching, anticipation, and what's going to happen that it does lead to stress,” he said.
