Cardiologists urge priority for heart health in Austria and Germany

Medical experts in Austria and Germany are emphasizing the critical importance of cardiovascular health and early symptom recognition. In Austria, the Austrian Cardiological Society (ÖKG) has called on policymakers to prioritize heart health, noting that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death, accounting for one-third of all fatalities. ÖKG President Daniel Scherr highlighted that heart-related deaths exceed those from cancer and traffic accidents combined, urging a shift from acute treatment to better prevention.

In Germany, the German Heart Foundation reports that over 300,000 people suffer heart attacks annually. Experts warn that many deaths occur at home because symptoms are not recognized in time. While common signs include chest pain and radiating pain in the left arm, women often experience different symptoms, which can lead to lower recognition rates and higher mortality. Risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes remain significant contributors to these incidents.