7 Healthcast: Sox Stress

To say emotions are running high, is the understatement of the year. Red Sox fans are feeling it "physically" too.

Kathleen Crane, Red Sox Fan
"I felt a little nauseous, even my palms were sweaty. My heart was beating."

Kendra Resha, Red Sox Fan
"Definitely heart racing. Couldn't go to bed for at least a couple hours after the game because of what was going on."

There's no doubt that just watching a big game can increase your blood pressure and heart rate.

Janet Wu, Healthcast Reporter
"Do you ever think it might be too much for some people?"

Ed Cousineau, Red Sox Fan
"Well, I tell you what. I thought about my dad because he's had some health problems lately."

Don't worry. This MGH cardiologist says: only a very few need to be careful, and they know who they are.

Dr. Adolph Hutter, Mass. General Cardiologist
"You can get so excited and tense you get chest pain. These people should walk away from the TV set and relax."

There is evidence major sporting events can impact our health. In France, the number of heart attacks in men dropped dramatically when France in the World Cup in 1998. On the flip side, in England, hospital admissions jumped by 24 percent when their team lost a decisive match.

So researchers wonder if positive stress, like a Red Sox victory can improve our health - as negative stress, like a death or natural disaster, can hurt us.

If you think the stress is too much for you or a loved one, tape the game. Watch it after learning the final outcome, so you can enjoy the plays, without becoming too emotionally involved.