Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, costing the lives of thousands of Americans each year. February is American Heart Month, which is dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and the risks that can make cardiovascular conditions worse. While we know that heart disease can be brought on by lifestyle factors like diet and exercise, traumatic events—such as car accidents—can also have a significant impact on heart health. The reason for an increase in heart attack after car accidents is that the physical and emotional stress caused by a car accident can increase the risk of heart attacks, make pre-existing conditions worse, and contribute to long-term cardiovascular issues.
If you or a loved one is suffering from cardiovascular issues that you believe were triggered or made worse by a car accident caused by another driver, seek a diagnosis from a medical professional and call an experienced, local car accident attorney.
What to Know About Heart Attack After Car Accidents
Car accidents are highly stressful and the stress can trigger serious heart problems or heart emergencies – including heart attack after car accidents – even in people with no known prior heart conditions. The reason is that the sudden shock and adrenaline rush caused by an accident can result in a dramatic increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
Can a car accident be the catalyst of a heart attack?
For people with underlying risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or hypertension, this sudden increase in blood pressure and heart rate can lead to a heart attack.
For individuals with diagnosed heart conditions, a car accident can be particularly dangerous. The trauma and stress of a collision may aggravate conditions such as arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, or coronary artery disease. In addition, certain pain medications and the prolonged immobility required during recovery can increase the risk of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and other cardiovascular complications.
Long-Term Effects of PTSD on Cardiovascular Health
According to the National Library of Medicine, nearly half of road traffic accident survivors develop Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and research shows that PTSD can have a lasting effect on cardiovascular health. People who experience PTSD after a car accident may suffer from chronic stress, which can lead to increased inflammation, higher blood pressure, and an elevated risk of developing heart disease over time. Studies have also linked PTSD to a higher likelihood of experiencing cardiac events, including strokes and heart attacks.
Protecting Heart Health After an Accident
To reduce the risk of a heart incident after a car accident, individuals should seek immediate medical attention and monitor heart symptoms, such as chest pain and dizziness. It’s also important to try to manage stress by engaging in stress-reducing activities such as deep breathing.
Ensuring Fair Compensation for Heart-Related Injuries
It is essential to consider all medical impacts of a car accident, including heart-related complications. A car accident attorney plays a vital role in evaluating the full extent of an accident victim’s injuries and ensuring that they receive fair compensation. This includes medical expenses, ongoing treatment costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering related to cardiovascular issues.
The Bottom Line
Car accidents can have serious, lasting effects on heart health, especially for people with pre-existing conditions. Seeking appropriate medical care and working with a knowledgeable car accident attorney is the best way to ensure that accident victims receive the compensation they need to manage heart and other medical expenses and ongoing treatment.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County, and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
