A heart attack – or myocardial infarction – is a life-threatening event caused by the sudden blockage of a coronary blood vessel. This blockage deprives a more or less large part of the heart muscle of adequate amounts of blood, oxygen and nutrients. Depending on the affected vessel, this may impact different sections of the heart. Colloquially, there is often a distinction between an anterior myocardial infarction and a posterior myocardial infarction.
Typical symptoms of a heart attack are intense chest pain, often radiating to the left arm, back, or jaw, along with shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea and fear of death.
In the event of a heart attack, rapid action is required, as this is always a medical emergency. Immediate first aid and fast medical treatment are important in order to save the person’s life and prevent any resulting damage.
What to do in the event of a heart attack
More information on a heart attack emergency is available on the website gesundheit.gv.at
Angina pectoris
Angina pectoris is a symptom of coronary heart disease (CHD), in which there is a temporary reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle. Angina pectoris should be seen as a warning sign of an impending heart attack.