A new survey published by NHS England has revealed that nearly half of adults say they are not confident to recognise the signs of heart attack.
45 per cent of adults said they were not confident to recognise the signs, but 51 per cent of over 55s - those most at risk - said they were not confident.
More than a third said they would not call 999 if they or a loved one were experiencing chest pain despite this being the most common symptom of a heart attack.
The findings are part of the the ongoing Help Us, Help You campaign to raise awareness of heart attack symptoms and save more lives.
TV GP Dr Chris George has joined the campaign and featured in a new film investigating the public's knowledge of heart attacks.
Dr George said: “It’s so important for people to be able to recognise the potential signs of a heart attack. We know that symptoms of a heart attack don’t always feel severe and can vary from person to person, but if you think you or somebody you’re with is having a heart attack, don’t be tempted to dismiss the signs or wait to see what happens. It’s never too early to call 999 and describe your symptoms.”
Heart attack survivor Gemma Renault, from Nottingham, said: “I had a heart attack earlier this year and at first experienced a deep pain in the middle of my chest, which spread across my throat, up to my jaw and across the back of my arms, followed by a squeezing feeling in my stomach which eventually became unbearable. I thought it was exercise pains and didn’t realise I’d had a heart attack until doctors in hospital confirmed it.
“As soon as I was diagnosed, I was fitted with a stent and I’m happy to say I’ve made great progress in my recovery – I’m back in the gym and attending cardiac rehabilitation sessions regularly. My symptoms didn’t seem serious at first, which meant I didn’t seek help straight away, but I’d encourage anyone who ever experiences symptoms like mine to always call 999 – the faster you act, the better your chances.”
Symptoms of a heart attack include: a feeling of pain, pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across your chest; pain in other parts of the body – such as in the arms (usually the left arm, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and tummy; feeling lightheaded or dizzy; sweating; shortness of breath; feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting); an overwhelming feeling of anxiety (similar to a panic attack); and coughing or wheezing.
Professor Nick Linker, cardiologist and NHS England’s national clinical director for heart disease, said: “Heart disease is one of the biggest killers in the UK, but we know that 9 in 10 people will survive a heart attack if they reach hospital early – which is why it is so crucial that people are aware of the symptoms of a heart attack and act upon them.
“Every moment that passes during a heart attack increases heart muscle damage and nearly all of this damage occurs in the first few hours of an attack, so if you experience pain or squeezing across your chest, accompanied with a feeling of unease, it’s vital to call 999 and check your symptoms.”
