Football fans are being advised to try and watch their favourite matches calmly as the emotional stress of a team losing could be enough to trigger a heart attack, according to one health insurer.

Department of Health figures show that 77 people aged 15 to 59 are treated in hospital for a heart attack each day – more than 28,000 every year.

Doctors say supporters, especially those following big games like the World Cup, should be aware of the potential risk to health posed by stress and take some simple precautions to avoid becoming a victim.

The rate of hospital admissions for heart attacks risks going up by 25 per cent in people of working age and the threat is likely to last over three days, research in the British Medical Journal revealed.

"When people's emotions run high stress levels can shoot up affecting both their heart rate and blood pressure. There are also effects on their immune and digestive systems and on reasoned thinking," said Tony Urwin, clinical and development manager from psychological services at BUPA Wellness.

"Stress can be very taxing on the body, so people must learn to relax. Diet and exercise is also an important way to lower anxiety and pressure levels - so eat well and get outside and kick a football around."

People worried about a possible heart attack should look out for common symptoms which include chest pain, shortness of breath, a clammy, sweaty and grey complexion; dizziness; nausea and vomiting.