NHS England has launched a brand new lifesaving campaign to help prevent heart attack deaths in the UK.
The campaign aims to encourage more people to dial 999 as soon as they experience the early signs of a heart attack.
With over 800,000 Brits visiting hospital every year due to heart attacks, catching the horrors early helps prevent death. In fact, early treatment increases the survival rate from seven in 10 to nine in 10.
Although spotting the signs early can save thousands of lives, the NHS found that less than 50% of Brits questioned knew the early symptoms of a heart attack.
NHS medical director, Professor Stephen Powis said: “It can be easy to dismiss early symptoms as they don’t always feel severe, but it is never too early to dial 999 in this circumstance – and the faster you act, the better the chance of a full recovery”.
What are the early signs of a heart attack?
Most people know that chest pain is a sign of a heart attack, however there are plenty of other, lesser-known symptoms to look out for.
The NHS list three common early signs:
- pain in other parts of the body (not just the chest) – it can feel as if the pain is spreading from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm is affected, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and tummy
an overwhelming sense of anxiety (similar to having a panic attack)
- sweating
Other symptoms include:
Sky Sports presenter Pete Dale suffered a heart attack at 36.
“I had no idea that I was experiencing symptoms of a heart attack at the time," he explained.
"On the morning of the attack, I went home after playing football thinking I had indigestion – I just didn’t feel quite right and both of my arms started to feel numb.
“I managed to text my mum who called an ambulance and only when the paramedics arrived did I realise this was a heart attack.
“People need to be aware of the symptoms – it’s not a case of clutching your chest and falling to the ground – early signs aren’t always severe but if you experience any symptoms, call 999. Acting quickly saved my life.”
What causes a heart attack?
Heart attacks are caused when the supply of blood to the heart becomes blocked, starving the muscle of oxygen and potentially causing serious damage.
The NHS explains that while early signs can vary, most experience squeezing sensations across the chest. Those experiencing early signs of a heart attack will be conscious and breathing.
Cardiac arrest, however, is when the sufferer's heart suddenly stops beating. It can happen quickly and without warning, with the person immediately losing consciousness.
Those experiencing a cardiac arrest will usually die within minutes if not treated urgently. A heart attack can often lead to cardiac arrest if early treatment is not sought.
