With its new cardiac catheterization laboratory, Klinikum Ingolstadt enables reliable diagnoses in patients suffering from angina pectoris. From left to right: Prof. Karlheinz Seidl, Feras Al-Khouja, Dr. Thérèse Engelmeier. Photo: Klinikum Ingolstadt
Each year, more than 30,000 people in Bavaria have to go to hospital because of a heart attack, and around 6,500 people died directly from it in 2020. This makes heart attacks one of the most common causes. of death in Bavaria and is also the cause of serious heart disease. With this year’s targeted campaign “Hand on the heart” of the Bavarian Ministry of Health, the prevention of heart attacks must therefore be a priority. At the initiative of the health region and the office of the municipal health service, the Ingolstadt clinic, the BRK Kreis-Wasserwacht Ingolstadt and the MTV Ingolstadt are also supported by the Equal Opportunities Office by offering a visit to information walk around the Ingolstadt quarry pond. On Friday, July 15, those interested will walk around the lake in small groups and receive information and practical advice on the subject of heart health at various stations. The meeting is at 4 p.m. at the fisherman’s house.
Heart attacks usually have a history of high-risk conditions such as high blood pressure, which can be prevented with enough exercise, a healthy diet, low stress and not smoking, points out Professor Karlheinz Seidl, director of the cardiology and internal intensive care clinic. Nursing medicine at the clinic in Ingolstadt. “The prevention process begins in adolescence,” says Seidl.
In 25 percent of all life-threatening arrhythmias, there are no warning signs, Seidl points out when presenting the press briefing walking tour. The warning signs of a heart attack are persistent pressure on the chest. “Then go very quickly to a doctor or a clinic.” The signs are often less characteristic in women than in men – pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath and exhaustion may indicate a heart attack.
A heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce your personal risk of heart attack. Seidl and other cardiologists from the Klinikum Ingolstadt inform the participants of the information tour about the most important risk factors for a heart attack and how to avoid them, about the signs that a heart attack can be recognized and how to react quickly and correctly in case of emergency several stations around the lake. They are available to answer all your questions about the heart.
At the other stations, the water rescue service of the district of Ingolstadt offers exercises for immediate rescue measures and check of vital signs, as well as movement exercises and heart sports from MTV Ingolstadt. In addition, extensive information material is available, for example from the honorary representative of the German Heart Foundation.