The NHS has launched a new campaign to help people spot the signs of a heart attack.

The campaign comes as admissions for heart attacks have returned to pre-pandemic levels. There were more than 84,000 hospital heart attack admissions in England during 2021/22, this is 7,000 more compared to the previous year.

The campaign aims to teach people about the common signs of a heart attack that are often dismissed, such as squeezing across the chest, sweating and a feeling of uneasiness.

Heart attack survival chances are much higher if care is received quicker.

Professor Nick Linker, cardiologist and NHS national clinical director for heart disease, said: “Cardiovascular disease causes one in four deaths across the country, so it is vital that people are aware of the early signs of a heart attack.

“Every moment that passes during a heart attack increases heart muscle damage and nearly all of the damage takes place within the first few hours, so if you experience symptoms such as a sensation of squeezing or tightness across the chest alongside sweating, nausea, or a sense of unease, please call 999 so you have the best chance of a full recovery”.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said: “Every minute matters when somebody is having a heart attack, and could be the difference between life and death. Even if the symptoms don’t seem severe, such as a feeling of squeezing or tightness across the chest – call 999 immediately. A heart attack is a medical emergency and immediate action could save your life.”

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay