The risk of heart problems increases at Christmas time. Experts from the Heart Foundation warn against this. You should pay attention to these symptoms.
Christmas is a time of joy, family and enjoyment – but it also harbors hidden dangers. Because right now the risk of heart attacks is increasing significantly. This is often due to increased stress and different lifestyle habits in terms of diet, sleep and exercise. Experts from the German Heart Foundation therefore urgently warn: If certain warning signs occur, you should immediately call 112.
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common causes of death worldwide. In Germany, over 300,000 people suffer a heart attack every year and around 46,600 die from it. A big problem is that medical care is often received far too late, as those affected or their relatives hesitate to alert the emergency services.
“Unfortunately, several holidays between Christmas Eve and New Year mean that people hesitate to call the emergency services via the emergency number 112, despite typical heart attack warning signs,” warns cardiologist Thomas Voigtländer, CEO of the German Heart Foundation. “Instead, people wait until the next morning or after the holidays, which is often fatal in the event of a heart attack.”
When it comes to a heart attack, every second counts: the quicker a heart attack is detected and treated, the higher the chances of surviving and not suffering serious consequences. If a heart attack is not treated promptly, it can lead to the death of heart muscle tissue. Malignant cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation are particularly dangerous and can lead to death within a very short time if left untreated.
According to the Heart Foundation, typical warning signs of a heart attack include:
People with increased heart risk such as smokers or patients with arteriosclerosis, obesity, peripheral artery disease (PAD), lipid metabolism disorders (high cholesterol) and diabetes should be particularly careful.
Cardiologist Voigtländer emphasizes: “Emergency service control centers, cardiac emergency clinics – so-called chest pain units (CPU) – and emergency rooms are staffed around the clock, even on public holidays.” There is no reason to be afraid of calling 112 – even if you are unsure.