Hidden heart risks behind Super Bowl Sunday watch parties

As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, football fans are gearing up for big plays on their big screens, while enjoying snacks, but cardiologists and preventive health experts say there's also a prime opportunity to protect your heart amid the excitement.

April Wilson, MD, MPH, chair of the Preventive Medicine Department at Loma Linda University Health, has long advised fans to rethink typical game-day spreads. "Fatty favorites like pizza, nachos and chips might be tempting, but they increase your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and unwanted weight gain - all of which strain the heart," Wilson says, reminding hosts and guests alike that healthier options don't mean missing out on fun.

Wilson's tips, originally shared in a piece on sneaking healthy options into your Super Bowl party, are still on point this year. She suggests crowd-pleasing choices like fruit kebabs, black bean or hummus dips, roasted veggies, cauliflower pizza crusts, and lettuce wraps, all of which bring flavor and nutrients to the table without piling on excess fat and sodium.

In addition, experts explain that sodium-heavy party foods, sugary drinks and alcohol that are common on Super Bowl tables can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, especially when paired with emotionally charged moments like a last-minute touchdown.

In addition to smart snacking, physicians advise hydration, mindful eating, and awareness of personal risk factors. These heart-savvy hacks, from swapping creamy dips for veggie-based alternatives to pacing drinks with water, are simple ways fans can enjoy the game and support cardiovascular health.

"It's about balance," Wilson emphasizes. "You can enjoy your favorite foods and the fun of the game while also making choices that help keep your heart strong."

Doctors at Loma Linda University Health encourage fans to enjoy the Super Bowl while staying mindful of their heart health. If you or someone around you experiences chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms during game day, don't wait, call 911. To learn more about heart-healthy tips or schedule an appointment with a heart specialist, visit lluhealth.org/heart-vascular