More than 300,000 people suffer heart attacks in Germany every year, of whom unfortunately almost 50,000 die. The faster the emergency is recognized and treated, the better the chances of survival. Find out which 6 signs of a heart attack you should definitely know and how you can preventively reduce your risk of a heart attack.
In most cases, a heart attack occurs as a direct result of what is known as coronary heart disease (CHD) , in which the coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed and can therefore no longer supply the heart muscle with blood and oxygen. The narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries occurs due to arteriosclerosis – the “calcification” of the blood vessels due to cholesterol accumulations in the vessel walls. In the event of a heart attack, the bloodstream must be cleared again as quickly as possible, which is done with surgery or medication. Since every second counts and can mean the difference between life and death, each of us should know the most important signs of a heart attack.
Table of Contents
Heart attack: 6 signs everyone should know
1. Chest pain
The most typical and well-known symptom of a heart attack is severe pain or a burning sensation in the chest. These occur mainly behind the breastbone , since the heart is fairly central. Contrary to popular belief, it is not on the left side, but is just turned slightly to the left. The chest pain is particularly pronounced in affected men and can radiate to other parts of the body. In women, on the other hand, the chest pain is often less pronounced, which is why the heart attack in men is usually recognized more quickly as such.
2. Upper abdominal pain
In the case of a heart attack, the symptoms of affected women can be similar to those of men, but they are often weaker or appear in other places – for example on the back between the shoulder blades or in the upper abdomen. The pain in the abdominal area in particular can make it difficult to diagnose a heart attack, since the symptom is often associated with gastrointestinal problems. As a result, heart attacks in female victims are unfortunately recognized less quickly, which reduces the chances of survival.
3. Chest pressure and tightness
In addition to pain, there is often oppressive and constricting pressure in the chest area. This not only triggers panic and fear in those affected, but also leads to shortness of breath. Such a chest tightness is also known as angina pectoris and is on the one hand an independent disease, but on the other hand it can act as a harbinger of a heart attack. In any case, an immediate medical consultation is necessary.
4. Cold, pale skin
Due to the severe, oppressive symptoms, those affected often feel a fear of death, which in turn causes paleness in the face or cold sweat. Although sufferers may downplay their symptoms, sallow, sweaty skin could be a sign of worse things to happen.
5. Nausea and vomiting
Especially in women, very general symptoms can occur that you would not associate with a heart attack at first glance. Such non-specific symptoms include nausea and vomiting, but also back pain or unusual tiredness and weakness. According to the German Heart Foundation , you should not take any risks and call 112 to be on the safe side , especially if the symptoms occur to an unusual extent that has never been experienced before : “It’s better to call the emergency number once too often than not enough!” Because over 1,000 people die every year 20,000 women suffer from a heart attack, which is often recognized too late due to milder or non-specific symptoms.
6. Complaints the day before
It is true that heart attacks in many people occur suddenly and without any prior warning. However, according to current data , in up to 50 percent of all cases, symptoms already appear in the 48 hours before the infarction, which announce the emergency. A brief burning sensation behind the sternum or the tightness of the chest mentioned above can act as serious harbingers. These can occur both under stress, eg when climbing stairs, and at rest, eg at night. In particular, people who already have a previous condition of the cardiovascular system should contact their doctor immediately if they experience such symptoms.
Preventing a heart attack: Avoid these risk factors
It is true that older age and genetics contribute to a certain extent to the development of a heart attack. However, there are a lot of risk factors that you can control to maximize your chances. With small changes in your lifestyle, you can therefore greatly reduce your risk of a heart attack. Address the following points one by one:
- Avoid cigarettes and alcohol
These two stimulants contribute significantly to an increase in blood pressure, promote arteriosclerosis and weaken your heart. - Exercise every day Lack
of exercise is a big problem in our easy-going society. You don’t have to exercise two hours a day to prevent a heart attack. However, it is important that you get a minimum level of exercise every single day, such as walking, cycling to work, or going for a run. This is how you strengthen your heart muscle, keep your blood vessels elastic and reduce excess weight – another risk factor for heart attacks. - Avoid fast food, convenience
foods, and processed foods The trans fats and saturated animal fats found in fried foods, burgers, and processed foods not only increase inflammation, but also cause your LDL cholesterol levels to skyrocket. Over time, excess LDL cholesterol is deposited in the vessel walls and increases your risk of various cardiovascular diseases. Replace harmful foods with vegetables, legumes or nuts to do something good for your heart. - Slow down
Chronic stress can raise blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, build relaxation exercises such as meditation or yoga into your everyday life and banish unnecessary stress factors from your life.
Important: Attend all recommended medical check-ups and have your heart checked for possible damage if you have the slightest suspicion.
