By JO-MARIE BROWN
The sight of Heath Streak tearing down the cricket pitch may strike fear into New Zealand's batsmen - but if you are a sports fan watching today's one-dayer against Zimbabwe, it could literally strike you dead.
Dutch medical researchers have found that men are more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke on the day of big sporting events, probably because of stress.
The number of cardiovascular deaths on June 22, 1996 - the day the Dutch football team were knocked out of the European championship - was about 50 per cent above average.
Increased mental and emotional stress, heavy drinking, overeating and smoking are believed to have triggered the heart attacks, and such factors are often combined when watching big sporting events, say the researchers.
NZ Heart Foundation medical director Dr Diana North urged those prone to heart disease to take care.
"I imagine if you're at a one-day cricket event, eating a lot, drinking a lot, screaming a lot and getting excited, that group may have an increased risk."
The researchers found no corresponding increase in deaths among women. "Either we are more controlled or we get more excited about other things," Dr North said.
Cricket commentator Jeremy Coney suggested that an electro-cardiograph machine be installed on the boundary today.
"When you're feeling a bit tense you can go down there and be tested."
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