Double Standards In Saving The Life You Love

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 11 Aug 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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People take heart attack symptoms more seriously in others than themselves in a dangerous case of double standards, according to survey results released by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) on Heart Attack Awareness Day (Monday August 11).

Even though almost half of people (47%) would do the right thing by telling their parents to call 999 if they had unusual chest pain, the most common symptom of a heart attack, a staggering two thirds of people (65%) would put their own lives at risk by not calling 999 first if they experienced the same symptoms.

The survey also shows that a frightening one in six people (16%) would potentially waste valuable time by taking their partners to the hospital themselves instead of calling 999 and one in ten (12%) people would risk a parent's health by the same measure.

The announcement of these survey results follows the premiere screening of the compelling two minute BHF film, 'Watch Your Own Heart Attack' last night on ITV1. Watched by millions, it can now be viewed at http://www.2minutes.org.uk

Professor Peter Weissberg, BHF Medical Director, says "This survey shows that people still do not understand why it is so important to call 999 at the very first sign of a possible heart attack. Every second counts when you are having a heart attack and calling the emergency services immediately means you are much more likely to survive.

"A heart attack occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. Most people who die do so in the first few minutes because of an unstable heart rhythm. Properly trained ambulance staff and first responders can deal with this life-threatening emergency and increase your chance of reaching the hospital in time to receive the necessary treatment to restore the blood supply to your heart."

Every year, almost a quarter of a million people suffer a heart attack, a third of whom die before reaching hospital (2) often because they don't seek medical help in time so it is crucial that people recognise the symptoms and know to call 999 if experiencing them.

The symptoms of a heart attack can vary from one person to another but the common symptoms of a heart attack include: central chest pain (a pain in the centre of the chest); a pain which can spread to the arms, neck and jaw; feeling sick or sweaty as well as having central chest pain; and/or feeling short of breath as well as having central chest pain.

Some people may also experience a dull pain, ache or 'heavy' feeling in the chest, a mild discomfort in the chest that makes you feel generally unwell, a pain in your chest that can spread to the back or stomach, a chest pain that feels like a bad episode of indigestion or feeling light-headed or dizzy as well as having chest pain. Women are more likely to experience these symptoms.

Elie Levy (50) from London knows from personal experience the importance of calling 999 immediately. "I had a heart attack just six weeks ago. My heart stopped in the ambulance and I had just minutes to spare. I never considered myself at risk of a heart attack at my age and dying would have been a massive tragedy for my young family. I'm backing the BHF's Heart Attack Awareness Day as it will help to save the lives of future heart attack victims by showing them how to recognise the symptoms."

Women are more likely to risk their health with nearly four out of ten (36%) saying they would call a family member first if experiencing unusual chest pain instead of calling 999 compared to one in four men (25%).

The main reasons people put off calling 999 include not wanting to waste the time of emergency services (57%), doubting their symptoms are serious enough (48%), fear of embarrassment (38%) and preferring to wait and see if it gets better (32%) showing that the British reserve is still costing lives.

Supporting the campaign is well-known television presenter Angela Rippon, 64, who lost her father from a heart attack three years ago. She says, "Unfortunately, many people are not aware that they are having a heart attack. It's important that people find out more about more about the symptoms of this serious health issue."

Paul Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of the East Midlands Ambulance Service, says ambulance services across the UK fully support the British Heart Foundation's campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of heart attacks.

"People often delay calling us which loses valuable time ultimately putting their heart and life at risk. We understand that making the call to emergency services as soon as you experience these symptoms should be your first call to action which is why this campaign is so important."

(1) BHF YouGov Survey of 2,014 UK residents, 21 July 2008.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,014 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18th-21st July 2008. This survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+)

(2) British Heart Foundation '2007 Coronary Heart Disease Statistics'.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is leading the battle against heart and circulatory disease - the UK's biggest killer. The Charity is a major funder and authority in cardiovascular research. It plays an important role in funding education, both of the public and of health professionals, and in providing life-saving cardiac equipment and support for rehabilitation and care.

British Heart Foundation

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