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Most Fail to Recognize Signs of a
Heart Attack
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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 US
government study.
The study carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
in 14 states” 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; compared to women (30.8 percent),
whites (30.2 percent) and those with higher educations (33.4 percent).
“The findings from the study 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.
The warning signs of heart attack are pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or
back; feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint; chest pain or discomfort; pain or
discomfort in the arms or shoulder; and shortness of breath.
Each year about 920,000 Americans suffer a heart attack. About half of the
deaths occur within an hour of the first symptoms and before they ever reach
the hospital.
The early recognition of heart attack warning signs by victims and bystanders
and the immediate action of calling for emergency medical assistance are
crucial
for timely access to cardiac care, receipt of advanced treatment, and the
increased potential for survival.
“In addition to the differences, it is clear 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.
He said “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,” Dr Fang added.
The study also found that the awareness of specific heart attack warning signs
and the number of people who said they would call emergency medical
personnel to report heart attack or strokes varied by states.
The recognition of jaw, or back pain and discomfort as warning signs ranged
from 34 percent in Washington, D.C. to 59 percent in West Virginia; feeling
weak, lightheaded or faint ranged from 53 percent in Washington, D.C. to 70
percent in Iowa; chest pain and discomfort ranged from 86 percent in
Tennessee to 96 percent in West Virginia; and pain or discomfort in the
shoulder was from 77 percent in Washington D.C. to up 92 percent in West
Virginia.
Study participants indicating that they would call for emergency assistance or
call medical personnel to report a heart attack or stroke ranged from 78 percent
in Mississippi to 89 percent in Minnesota.
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