The First Minutes Are Life-Saving in a Heart Attack!

Experts noting that heart attacks are not seen only in advanced ages point out that smoking in particular increases the risk of heart attack among young people. Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mehmet Baltalı stated that smoking can increase the risk of heart attack 3-4 fold, while high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and family history are also among the significant risk factors. Emphasizing that which vessel is blocked during a heart attack can affect the course of the disease, Prof. Dr. Baltalı noted that the most important step when symptoms appear is to call the 112 Emergency Call Center without wasting time.

Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mehmet Baltalı made assessments regarding the symptoms of heart attack, the factors that increase heart attack risk in young people, the danger of sudden cardiac death, and what needs to be done during a heart attack.

A heart attack occurs due to the blockage of the vessels that feed the heart
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Baltalı stated that a heart attack occurs as a result of the sudden blockage of one of the coronary vessels that feed the heart, causing insufficient oxygen to reach the relevant region of the heart muscle, and noted that this situation can impair the function of the heart muscle.

Noting that the heart is fed by three main coronary vessels, Baltalı said that if one of the vessels becomes blocked, the region fed by that vessel is deprived of oxygen, and that this can lead to serious heart problems.

Stating that heart attacks are more common in men and at advanced ages, Baltalı noted that the risk increases in women after menopause.

Smoking increases the risk among young people
Pointing out that heart attacks can also be seen in men and women under the age of 45, Prof. Dr. Baltalı emphasized the importance of risk factors in heart attacks occurring at a young age.

Stating that in addition to genetic and familial predisposition, smoking and high cholesterol are among the significant risk factors, Baltalı said that the increase in smoking in particular can raise the risk of heart attack among young people.

"Smoking increases the risk of heart attack 3-4 fold"
Prof. Dr. Baltalı, stating that there are various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors in terms of heart attack, gave the following information:

"Smoking is the most important cause, increasing the risk of heart attack 3-4 fold. The second is high bad cholesterol. The third cause is blood pressure, diabetes and genetics. What is meant by genetics is not something directly passed from parent to child, but if the mother and father had a heart attack under the age of 60, these individuals are at much higher risk. Therefore, these people need to have these risk factors checked much earlier and avoid them."

Stating that quitting smoking, keeping cholesterol and other risk factors under control with a physician's assessment, healthy nutrition and regular physical activity are important for reducing the risk of heart attack, Baltalı noted that a diet based on olive oil, vegetables and fruit, along with exercises such as walking and swimming, can be part of one's lifestyle.

Symptoms may vary from person to person
Prof. Dr. Baltalı stated that a heart attack does not always present with the same symptoms, and said that among the most common symptoms are chest pain and pain radiating to the left arm.

Noting that in some cases the symptoms may appear differently, Baltalı stated that complaints such as abdominal pain and nausea can be seen, particularly in some types of heart attack.

Emphasizing that in the course of a heart attack, which vessel is blocked and which region of the heart is affected are important, Baltalı stated that serious rhythm disorders can develop in some cases and that this can pose a life-threatening risk.

Sudden cardiac death risk in young people can lead to more serious consequences
Stating that a heart attack is a serious health problem at any age, Prof. Dr. Baltalı said that which region of the heart muscle is affected and to what extent are among the factors that determine the severity of the disease.

Pointing out that heart attacks occurring in young people can also lead to serious consequences, Baltalı stated that in some cases there may be a risk of sudden cardiac death.

When a heart attack is suspected, the first step is 112
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Baltalı stated that the most important step for a person suspected of having a heart attack is to call for emergency help, and said that the 112 Emergency Call Center should be called without wasting time.

Stating that the person should remain as calm as possible, avoid exertion, and follow the instructions of professional health teams, Baltalı also warned that the person should not attempt to drive to the hospital on their own.

Professional help should be awaited instead of unconscious intervention
Prof. Dr. Baltalı pointed out that unconscious intervention by people around a person suspected of having a heart attack can pose serious risks, and stated that emergency help teams should be called first.

Emphasizing the importance of the condition of a person having a heart attack being assessed by health teams, Baltalı stated that interventions such as chest compressions in particular should only be applied when necessary and with the correct technique.

Stating that the person's consciousness and breathing status should be assessed and the instructions of the 112 teams should be followed, Baltalı said that professional guidance should not be deviated from until the health teams arrive at the scene.

Stating that if the person suspected of having a heart attack is driving, they should stop at a safe location and call 112, Prof. Dr. Baltalı completed his remarks as follows:

"The person should call the 112 emergency service. They should lie down. If they are very distressed, they may ask for help. The person providing assistance should also be an expert in the field."