WEIGHING IN ON THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING YOUR COOL. THIS IS MORE THAN JUST A GAME. THIS IS THE PATRIOTS IN THE PLAYOFFS. BUT DOCTORS SAY IT’S IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOUR HEART HEALTHY WHILE PUTTING IT ALL ON THE LINE FOR THE TEAM. DO YOU EVER GET STRESSED WATCHING THE PATRIOTS? OH MY GOD, HOW MANY YEARS? OF COURSE I GET STRESSED. COME ON. ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT. WHERE THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT OR PACING THE LIVING ROOM. PATRIOTS IN THE PLAYOFFS CAN GET STRESSFUL. OUR BODY DOESN’T REALLY KNOW THAT. WE ARE NOT THE ONES ON THE FIELD. IN A 2024 STUDY, RESEARCHERS AT MASS GENERAL BRIGHAM FOUND HEART ATTACKS INCREASED IN THREE DEFINED STRESSFUL PERIODS TEN DAYS AFTER CHRISTMAS, FIVE DAYS AFTER A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, AND FIVE DAYS AFTER MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS INVOLVING BOSTON TEAMS LIKE SUNDAY’S PATRIOTS PLAYOFF GAME. AND THESE STRESS HORMONES CAN CAUSE ELEVATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE FOR SOME PEOPLE. DOCTORS RECOMMEND TAKING A DEEP BREATH, STRETCHING DURING A REPLAY, AND TRYING TO EAT A LITTLE HEALTHIER AND DRINK A LITTLE LESS. DURING THE GAME. THE PATRIOTS HAVE BEEN QUITE THE TEAM TO WATCH TO HAVE THE PLAYOFFS BACK AGAIN. IT’S GREAT. IT’S ALL COMING TOGETHER. THEY’RE ONE OF OUR TOP TEAMS THAT HAVE BEEN BET TO WIN THE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP. JOHNNY AVELLO IS THE DIRECTOR OF RACE AND SPORTS OPERATIONS AT DRAFTKINGS. WITH THE PATRIOTS. A THREE AND A HALF POINT FAVORITE. IT’S GOING TO BE A GOOD GAME. MY ANTICIPATIONS ARE VERY HIGH THAT IT’S GOING TO BE ONE OF THE TOP GAMES OF THE WEEKEND. AND WHETHER YOU’RE BETTING ON THE GAME, THE PROPS, OR JUST WATCHING, DON’T FORGET TO ENJOY. TAKE A BREATH AND SAY, LET’S GO,
Experts offer tips to reduce stress, promote heart health ahead of Patriots playoff game
Updated: 7:16 PM EST Jan 8, 2026
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With the New England Patriots returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2021, and the first time since the legalization of sports wagering in Massachusetts, tensions could be running high for some fans on Sunday. During periods of high stress, including the playoffs, research shows negative health impacts can follow. A study published by Mass General Brigham in 2024 found that heart attacks increased during three “stressful” periods, including the 10 days after Christmas, the five days after a presidential election and the five days after major sporting events involving Boston teams. Additionally, the MGB research identified the risk is even higher for individuals with a high neuroticism polygenic risk score, which measures a patient’s genetic predisposition to stress. Those patients are 34% more likely to experience acute coronary syndromes during a stressful period than at other times of the year. Video below: Examining the coaching matchupJohnny Avello is the director of race and sports operations at DraftKings.They currently have the Patriots as 3.5-point favorites over the Los Angeles Chargers, meaning that Vegas thinks this will be a close game. “My anticipations are high that this is going to be one of the top betted games of the weekend,” Avello said.Tips for managing stress and heart health, from the 2024 MGB publication, include:Quit smokingGet more sleepTry meditationExercise regularlyTalk with friends and familyPick up a new hobby”Stand, walk, around, stretch, that will help you boost your circulation, a deep breath will lower your heart rate,” said Dr. Shady Abohashem, MGH Cardiovascular Investigators. “Also, try to snack smarter, swap chips with some unsalted veggies, popcorn or nuts. Also most importantly, make sure you sleep well the night before the game.”Signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:Chest pain or pressureShortness of breathCold sweat even when at restWeakness or light-headednessPain or discomfort in the neck, back, jaw, arms, or shouldersVideo below: Analysis of the Patriots’ turnaround
With the New England Patriots returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2021, and the first time since the legalization of sports wagering in Massachusetts, tensions could be running high for some fans on Sunday.
During periods of high stress, including the playoffs, research shows negative health impacts can follow.
A study published by Mass General Brigham in 2024 found that heart attacks increased during three “stressful” periods, including the 10 days after Christmas, the five days after a presidential election and the five days after major sporting events involving Boston teams.
Additionally, the MGB research identified the risk is even higher for individuals with a high neuroticism polygenic risk score, which measures a patient’s genetic predisposition to stress. Those patients are 34% more likely to experience acute coronary syndromes during a stressful period than at other times of the year.
Video below: Examining the coaching matchup
Johnny Avello is the director of race and sports operations at DraftKings.
They currently have the Patriots as 3.5-point favorites over the Los Angeles Chargers, meaning that Vegas thinks this will be a close game.
“My anticipations are high that this is going to be one of the top betted games of the weekend,” Avello said.
Tips for managing stress and heart health, from the 2024 MGB publication, include:
- Quit smoking
- Get more sleep
- Try meditation
- Exercise regularly
- Talk with friends and family
- Pick up a new hobby
“Stand, walk, around, stretch, that will help you boost your circulation, a deep breath will lower your heart rate,” said Dr. Shady Abohashem, MGH Cardiovascular Investigators. “Also, try to snack smarter, swap chips with some unsalted veggies, popcorn or nuts. Also most importantly, make sure you sleep well the night before the game.”
Signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat even when at rest
- Weakness or light-headedness
- Pain or discomfort in the neck, back, jaw, arms, or shoulders
Video below: Analysis of the Patriots’ turnaround
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