If your heart felt like it was pounding on Saturday night, chances are it was real.
The Chicago Bears’ dramatic, last-minute playoff win over the Green Bay Packers sent fans on an emotional roller coaster — one that cardiologists say can put real strain on the body, especially during high-stress moments late in the game.
Longtime Bears fan Dan Cook said the first half of the game was tough to watch, but he never lost hope — even as emotions swung wildly.
“Obviously the first half was pretty disheartening,” Cook said. “But this whole season, they’ve been coming back.”
Cook said when the Bears mounted their comeback, disbelief quickly turned into exhilaration.
“Play after play, mistake after mistake by the Packers,” he said. “It almost seemed like the hand of God came down. The Bears feel like the team of destiny this year.”
Why intense games can feel like a workout
Dr. Ryan Lahey, a cardiologist with the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Medicine, said emotional stress during games can trigger a physical response similar to intense exercise.
“Just like intense exercise, an intense emotional experience can have an effect on your heart,” Lahey said. “Your heart rate goes up, you’re breathing harder — it can feel like doing a 100-meter sprint.”
That surge of adrenaline can cause symptoms like palpitations, flushing or rapid breathing — sensations that should fade within a few minutes.
“If symptoms persist, or if you experience chest pain or sweating, that could be a sign of something more serious,” he said.
Food, alcohol and playoff stress
With the Bears now preparing to face the Los Angeles Rams, doctors say fans should also pay attention to what they’re eating and drinking while watching the game.
“The amount people drink while watching these games can exacerbate things,” Lahey said. “Salty foods — Chicago hot dogs, nachos, wings — they’re a perfect setup for a cardiac event.”
Doctors recommend moderation, staying hydrated and being mindful of warning signs — especially for fans with underlying health conditions.
As the Bears continue their playoff run, cardiologists say fans can still enjoy the excitement — just with a little extra awareness.
“Think of each game as a mini stress test,” Lahey said. “Pay attention to your body.”
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