Only about 1 in 4 Americans know the warning signs of a heart attack and what to do first, according to a new government report. That's a decline in knowledge since the last survey in 2001, which showed nearly 1 in 3 to be well informed. The study's lead author, Dr. Jing Fang, called public awareness "alarmingly low." Dr. Fang is with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which surveyed residents of 13 states and the District of Columbia.
THE RED FLAGS Heart attack warning signs can include one or more of the following five symptoms:
1. Shortness of breath
2. Pain or discomfort in the chest
3. Discomfort in the arms or shoulder
4. A feeling of weakness or lightheadedness
5. Discomfort in the jaw, neck or back Chest pain is the most common symptom.
Women are more likely than men to experience some of the other symptoms, particularly shortness of breath and back or jaw pain, according to the American Heart Association. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should call 911, the heart association advises.
THE NUMBERS Each year more than 900,000 Americans suffer a heart attack, and about 157,000 of them are fatal. About half the deaths occur within an hour of symptoms occurring, experts say.
-- Associated Press
Comments
I recently had a heart attack. I'm male, 45yrs old, smoked for 27 years. I had weakness, lightheadedness, hot flashes, sweating and nausia, tightness in my chest, difficulty breathing, pain in my forearms and later my calves. The first thing I did was call 911. While I waited for the ambulance, my co-workers had me chew some asprin. That helped alot, but it was shortlived relief. At least I'm still here, and I haven't smoked since that day (4 months ago).
Congratulations Hepkikyo for giving the smokes up and going 4 months without one. I know how difficult it was (speaking from experience).
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