Expert explains

Reader asks: “How do I recognize a heart attack?”

Interpret the signs of a heart attack correctly and call an ambulance quickly!

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Readers ask, experts answer on the most pressing health issues. Manfred B. (54): "How can I recognize a heart attack and what are the typical symptoms?"

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Klaus Distelmaier, specialist in cardiology with a focus on lipid metabolism disorders, Herz Zentrum Währing, Vienna: "A heart attack is triggered by an acute lack of oxygen supply to the heart muscle. In most cases, the cause is coronary heart disease - a chronic disease that progresses over years and leads to calcification and narrowing of the vessels supplying the heart. If a vessel suddenly becomes blocked, undersupplied areas of the heart muscle die off. This leads to a reduction in the heart's pumping power and, in the worst case, can trigger life-threatening arrhythmias.

The faster a heart attack is recognized and treated, the better the chances of survival and the less permanent damage to the heart muscle. It is therefore important to know the signs, interpret them correctly and start the rescue chain immediately. The symptoms of a heart attack can vary greatly, but there are some typical signs:

The main symptom is severe burning or pressing pain behind the breastbone radiating to the arms, upper abdomen, back, neck, jaw or shoulder blades. Act immediately if the pain persists or even increases! Shortness of breath, cold sweats, fear of death, dizziness, nausea or vomiting are also frequently described. In women, the symptoms of a heart attack are often less obvious, which can delay recognition and therefore treatment.

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In many cases, coronary heart disease is diagnosed far too late, only after a heart attack or sudden cardiac death. Therefore, react early to possible alarming signs such as shortness of breath, chest tightness or burning behind the breastbone! These symptoms typically occur during physical exertion or stress and improve at rest. Patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus or nicotine consumption should undergo regular check-ups.