Doctor shares tips on how to avoid a trip to the ER this Super Bowl Sunday

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - While cheering on your favorite team this Super Bowl, the last place you want to end up is the emergency department.

Doctors say all that game-day stress can take a toll on your body if you’re not careful.

“Common reasons we see patients in the emergency department during or after the Super Bowl include heart attacks, elevated blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain and traumatic injuries,” explained Bryan Baskin, DO, an emergency medicine physician with Cleveland Clinic.

In addition to the heightened emotions and stress of the game, Dr. Baskin said the risk of heart attacks can increase due to the choice of food and drink.

Eating more foods high in sodium and drinking alcohol can put extra strain on the heart, particularly those with conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.

Indulging in a drink or two too many may also affect balance and judgment, which increases the risk of injuries that may require a trip to the ER.

This Sunday, Baskin recommends being mindful of what you eat, limiting alcohol and taking breaks from the game if things get too stressful. If you do start experiencing any concerning symptoms, Baskin said, don’t wait to get checked out.

“It’s very natural to want to wait until the game’s over to come into the emergency department–we see this around the holidays as well,” Dr. Baskin said. “But if you have symptoms, it’s important to respect your body and come to the emergency department. ”

Baskin said you should never ignore symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. Playing it safe and getting help quickly could save your life.