INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers stunningly defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals after Tyrese Haliburton's last-second shot. That one shot spiked the heart rates of Pacers fans across the country.
"That rush of adrenaline is certainly there and certainly can affect the heart," said Ascension St. Vincent cardiologist Dr. Jeff Price. "They cause the heart rate to go up, cause the blood pressure to go up. Probably moreso in a game like that where it's relatively calm and then something spectacular happens at the end."
Brent Bridwell was among the most excited Pacers fans after the comeback win. He and his wife traveled from Indianapolis to Oklahoma City and sat behind the Pacers sideline wearing their hometown gear.
"I put my hand over my heart because it was pounding so hard and said, 'Oh, my God' because I couldn't believe it," Bridwell said. "We're probably the only people on the TV screen wearing yellow, so we just wanted to bring that positive energy."
The comeback win may have made Pacers fans' hearts beat fast in the moment, but Price said these games alone will not give you lasting heart problems.
"I think it's probably relatively unlikely that people actually have anything bad happening from these, but it's certainly exciting," Price said.
Bridwell said he was grateful to be among the few excited Pacers fans in a sea of disappointed Thunder fans.
"You hear that silence, that vacuum in the room. The energy just deflated out of there," Bridwell said.
If your heart does get pumping during Pacers games, Price still recommends checking your pulse just in case to monitor your heart rate and for any signs of an irregular heartbeat.
-
Speedway lifts Boil Water Advisory for all residents and businesses
The Town of Speedway has officially lifted its Boil Water Advisory impacting residents and businesses since Sunday.
ISP conducting death investigation following a house fire in Jennings County
ISP is investigating the death of a man in Jennings County following a house fire early Sunday morning.
Noblesville pickleball tournament raises funds to help shelter animals
The fifth annual Furry Fracas was held in Noblesville this weekend, bringing together pickleball players from across central Indiana to raise money for shelter animals in need.
Sheriff reveals new details in Hailey Buzbee death investigation
The Fishers Police Department believes that a missing Hamilton County teen, Hailey Buzbee, is deceased, they announced in a press conference on Sunday.
