20% of heart attacks are caused by severe stress
Cardiovascular disease continues to occupy the first place in the list of the most frequent and deadly pathologies in developed countries. It is not strange then that cardiological emergencies are daily the most common in every emergency department.
Acute myocardial infarction is one of the most serious emergencies, in fact, in Spain, about 40,000 people die each year. The majority of deaths due to heart attack occur as a consequence of arrhythmias that lead to cardiac arrest. And, unfortunately, 30% of those affected die before reaching the hospital.
Stress, an important risk factor
The scientific literature has been contemplating for years the relationship between stress and infarction. The release of stress hormones (such as adrenaline) in the bloodstream increases the likelihood of heart attack and sudden death, explains Dr. Alvarez-Vieitez of the Cardiology Service of La Milagrosa Hospital in Madrid. In fact, there are studies that show that between 15% and 30% of patients admitted for cardiac arrest had previously been victims of severe stress.
Stress 'attacks' the heart in different ways: First, an excess of stress hormones can cause a "myocardial infarction". Severe stress causes the heart to beat more quickly, thus increasing blood flow through vessels that may have atheromatous plaques. This fact is what increases the risk of rupture of the same, which in turn can cause a blood clot and, consequently, a heart attack. Secondly, the elevation of the stress hormones can also act directly on the atheroma plaques, altering them, or cause an increase in the heartbeat.
Symptoms of a heart attack Women are more vulnerable to feeling sadness and anxiety than men, according to research, and feel the pressure of stress more than men, both at work and at home. It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms in order to reach the Hospital on time. The main ones are:
"chest pain" shortness of breath "loss of consciousness" cardiac arrest.
How to prevent stress According to Dr. Antonio Álvarez-Vieitez, there are a series of guidelines and habits that help to mitigate and control stress such as: "Practicing yoga or meditation.
"Spend time outdoors in nature (parks, green areas *)" Do regular exercise (walk and walk at least 30 minutes a day) "Sit quietly and concentrate on your breathing for 10 minutes each day.
" Spend time with friends.
"Watch a movie or enjoy reading a good book.
Cardiac emergencies at the Hospital La Milagrosa
In La Milagrosa Hospital, between eight and ten cardiac emergencies of all kinds are attended every day. From the mildest to the most serious. Specifically, we speak of acute myocardial infarction, sudden arrhythmia, bradycardia arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, sudden death, congestive heart failure, among others. The team that attends all these emergencies is part of the Cardiology Service of the health center that works 'elbow to elbow' with the Emergency Department.
The Cardiology Service, headed by Carlos Macaya, whose team includes specialists in the category of Dr. Antonio Álvarez-Vieitez or Dr. Julián Pérez-Villacastín, has state-of-the-art technology for cardiovascular intervention.
One of the most relevant additions are the new intervention units (hemodynamics and arrtimies) and the cardiac imaging unit with coronary angiotac and 3D transesophageal echocardiography that complete the diagnostic and therapeutic capacity of clinical cardiology.
Thus, for example, the Hemodynamics Room is equipped with the latest technology for the study and invasive treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as acute myocardial infarction (one of the most frequent emergencies), angina pectoris, cardiac valvular diseases, congenital diseases, diseases of the peripheral vessels such as the carotid arteries, the renal arteries and the aorta.
In addition, the team has Interventional Radiology, a specialty of radiology in which imaging techniques are used to perform minimally invasive procedures, both for diagnosis and for specific treatments.
