Few People Recognize Heart Attack Signs

02/25/08 Disease Basics

An alarming number of adults fail to recognize heart attack warning signs and symptoms that could, if heeded, save their lives, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study conducted in 14 states.

The study found that men (22.5 percent), blacks (16.2 percent), Hispanics (14.3 percent), and those with less than a high school education (15.7 percent) are less likely to know the major signs of a heart attack. They were also least likely to call for emergency assistance.

“The findings may serve as an important indicator for other states and suggests that more public education and communication campaigns are needed to increase awareness, particularly among the high risk populations of men, blacks, Hispanics, and the under-educated and in those areas where awareness is low,” said Dr. Jing Fang, the study’s lead author and an epidemiologist in the CDC Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention.

The warning signs of heart attack are

• Pain or discomfort in the jaw
• Pain in the neck or back
• Feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder
• Shortness of breath

Each year, about 920,000 Americans suffer a heart attack. Of those who die, about half of them die within an hour of the first symptoms and before they ever reach the hospital. Recognizing heart attack warning signs early and calling for emergency medical assistance immediately are crucial for timely access to cardiac care, receipt of advanced treatment, and the increased potential for survival.

“The overall public awareness of heart attack signs and the importance of calling for emergency medical assistance quickly in the event someone is experiencing a heart attack or stroke was alarmingly low,” said Dr.Fang. “Only about a quarter, or 27 percent, of those participating in the study who know all five major signs of a heart attack said they would also call 911 or otherwise seek emergency assistance if an individual appeared to be having a heart attack.”

For more information on the signs and actions of heart attack, visit the CDC Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Web site. Visit the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparaites Web site for more information on the risk of heart disease among various ethnic groups.

Source:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention news release, February 21, 2008