What is a heart attack?

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A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, causing the muscle to be damaged or die. It is a life-threatening emergency that significantly increases the risk of falls during recovery.

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Definition and overview

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, most often by a blood clot forming in the coronary arteries. These vessels supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients, and when the flow is cut off, parts of the heart muscle become damaged or die.

A heart attack is an acute and life-threatening condition. Without prompt treatment it can be fatal.

Prevalence and statistics

Every year, about 25,000 people in Sweden suffer a heart attack [1]. The majority are over 65, but younger people can also be affected. Approximately 5,000 people die annually in connection with a heart attack in Sweden, though mortality has decreased thanks to better medication and faster interventions.

Common symptoms

Symptoms of a heart attack can vary, but the most common include:

• Pressure or pain in the chest, often persistent
• Pain radiating to the arm, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Cold sweats
• Nausea and dizziness

In women and older adults, symptoms can be more diffuse – such as fatigue or pain in the upper abdomen – which sometimes leads to delayed diagnosis.

Risk factors

The major risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, overweight and physical inactivity, older age and family history of heart disease.

Related conditions that may precede a heart attack include angina and may be followed by heart failure.

Treatment

If a heart attack is suspected, it is critical to call 999 immediately. Hospital treatments often include angioplasty (PCI), clot-dissolving drugs or bypass surgery.

How a heart attack increases fall risk

A heart attack does not only affect the heart – it also impacts balance and significantly increases the likelihood of falls:

• Weakness and fatigue: Reduced muscle strength makes standing and walking harder.
• Dizziness and low blood pressure: Blood pressure medication may cause dizziness or fainting.
• Reduced fitness: Lower physical activity during recovery further weakens muscles.
• Psychological factors: Fear of another heart attack can lead to less movement, paradoxically increasing fall risk.

Studies show that patients recovering from a heart attack have a markedly higher risk of falls compared to those without heart disease [3].

Safety alarm with automatic fall alarm can increase safety for people with an increased risk of falling

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people who have an increased risk of falling. The personal alarm can automatically trigger the alarm in the event of a fall and then call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app.