By Life Quotes, Inc. Staff

Football fans should remember to take deep breaths on Super Bowl Sunday, as a new study suggests an emotional loss could literally break their hearts.

The study, published in Clinical Cardiology, tracked cardiac death rates in Los Angeles County after the Rams lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1980 Super Bowl and compared it to data from the same period in non-Super Bowl years.

Following the loss, researchers discovered death rates increased by 27 percent for women, 15 percent for men and 22 percent for older adults, with cardiac fatalities leading the pack. Scientists also analyzed data from the Los Angeles Raiders’ 1984 Super Bowl victory and found death rates declined slightly, most notably in women and adults over 65.

Robert Kloner, the lead author of the study, told USA Today sports fans can have a powerful emotional connection to their home teams that could possibly cause a heart-related death if a person has an underlying cardiac condition.

Lifestyle choices have a huge influence on cardiac health, which is why the Mayo Clinic advises practices such as exercise, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoiding cigarettes to maintain a strong heart. Also, it might be a good idea to consider taking out a life insurance policy, especially if you are at-risk for cardiovascular disease.

This article was originally published by Life Quotes, Inc.