20% of heart attacks are due to severe stress
The acute myocardial infarction It is one of the most serious emergencies, in fact, in Spain, about 40,000 people die each year from a heart attack. 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 arriving at the hospital.
The 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.
Stress, an important risk factor for heart attack
The scientific literature has been contemplating for years 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 the Dr. Alvarez- Vieitez of the Cardiology Service of the Hospital La Milagrosa 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
1. 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.
2. The elevation of stress hormones they can also act directly on the atheroma plaques, altering them, or cause an increase in heartbeat.
Symptoms of a heart attack
Women are more vulnerable to feeling sad and anxious 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 symptoms of a heart attack are:
1. chest pain
2. shortness of breath
3. loss of consciousness
4. cardiac arrest
How to prevent stress to prevent heart attack
According to Dr. Antonio Álvarez-Vieitez, there are a series of guidelines and habits that help mitigate and control stress, such as:
1. Practice relaxation techniques.
2. Spend time outdoors in nature (parks, green areas)
3. Do regular exercise (walking and walking at least 30 minutes a day) "Sit quietly and concentrate on your breathing for 10 minutes each day.
4. Spend time with friends.
5. Watch a movie or enjoy reading a good book.
Marina Berrio
Advice:Dr. Alvarez- Vieitez of the Cardiology Service of the Hospital La Milagrosa in Madrid
