How to avoid Super Bowl heart attack

ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 5 (UPI) -- A U.S. doctor says research shows heart attacks increase during top international sporting events, but that shouldn't dampen Super Bowl enthusiasm.

Dr. Al Sears, a certified nutritionist and author of "The Doctor's Heart Cure," says in a comparison of death rates from heart attacks 2001-02, doctors in Switzerland found deaths from heart attacks outside the hospital were 60 percent higher during the World Cup.

"We can't expect to reverse years of bad diet and exercise habits overnight, but there are still some key strategies that will ensure you're still alive when the final whistle blows," Sears says in a statement.

To help avoid a heart attack during the Super Bowl, Sears advises to:

-- Exercise before the game and during half time.

-- Take the supplement co-enzyme before the game.

-- Limit intake of alcohol and tobacco.

-- Limit food. Many heart attacks are reported to occur after eating an exceptionally large meal.

-- Eat snacks like broccoli, cauliflower, fruit, seeds and nuts and avoid chips, pizza and other salty and fatty foods.

-- During commercials, move around to break the intensity.

-- Manage your anger. Excess anger will increase heart risk.

-- Avoid gambling or only wager an amount you're comfortable losing.

-- Pay attention to heart attack warning signs and if you have dizziness, chest pain, trouble breathing and nausea, call 911.