Recognizing and Helping with Heart Attacks
One of the serious secondary diseases of high blood pressure is a heart attack. In Germany, about 300,000 people suffer a heart attack each year. Only about half of them survive - nearly every second affected person dies before reaching the hospital. Therefore, heart attacks are among the most common causes of death in Germany.
What does high blood pressure have to do with it?
Due to the persistently elevated pressure in the vessels, arteriosclerosis is favored. High blood pressure damages the vessel walls, which respond with remodeling processes of the inner lining of the vessels. The resulting deposits (plaques) narrow the vessel. If they break through the innermost layer of the vessel wall, the body will attempt to close this "wound" with a thrombus - a clot - which can lead to a complete blockage of the vessel. If this occurs in one of the coronary arteries, it is referred to as a heart attack. A common complication of a heart attack is ventricular fibrillation, which is immediately life-threatening, as the heart chambers then contract quickly, irregularly, and inadequately. This results in insufficient blood being pumped through the body. The affected person loses consciousness - breathing stops. Ventricular fibrillation requires defibrillation.
A heart attack rarely happens suddenly or out of the blue. It is usually preceded by angina pectoris or coronary heart disease (CHD). The affected person experiences pain in the heart area, which may radiate to the left arm or upper abdomen. These pains are often exertion-dependent and last for several seconds to minutes.
How do I recognize a heart attack?
Severe pain often occurs during a heart attack, which may radiate to the upper abdomen, arms (often particularly the left side), back, shoulders, or even to the neck or jaw.
The pain is often described as excruciating or a strong burning sensation. There may also be a significant feeling of tightness or constriction in the chest area. Accompanied by these pains, a strong feeling of anxiety often arises. The affected individuals are usually cold-sweaty with a pale, often yellowish-gray complexion.
However, a heart attack can also be indicated by rather nonspecific symptoms. This is somewhat more common in women than in men. Nonspecific symptoms can include shortness of breath, abdominal pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting, or a feeling of weakness.
However, there are also heart attacks that occur as so-called "silent infarcts" without symptoms. Damage to the heart still occurs with all possible consequences.
However, there are also heart attacks that occur as so-called "silent infarcts" without symptoms. Damage to the heart still occurs with all possible consequences.
What to do?
If you suspect that you or someone you have found has suffered a heart attack, please immediately call the emergency number at 112.
If the person is conscious, position them with an elevated upper body to relieve the strain on the heart. Continuously check their breathing and consciousness. Loosen any tight clothing. Many affected individuals find fresh air pleasant and helpful - if necessary, open a window.
If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position if breathing is maintained and continuously check if breathing remains stable.
If there is no breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (see also First Aid In Case of Emergency).
If you are affected, try to remain calm. Call the emergency number. The rescue control center can stay in contact with you until help arrives on site. If possible, do not stay alone in this situation. Call your partner, children, neighbors, or similar. If possible, open the door in advance for the rescue service.
Very important: Please do not drive yourself to the hospital and do not let relatives or friends take you to the doctor! Wait for the rescue service! Keep in mind that your condition can deteriorate at any time, you could endanger yourself and others, and that care on the road will be more difficult in any case.
Sources:
By Sabine Croci.
This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (01/2024).
Information on the website and within the app cannot replace a consultation with a doctor, but can certainly complement it.
