3 months ago 12th Aug 15:39
BHF Awareness Day Drives To Tackle Heart Attacks
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 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.”
More about Double Standards In Saving The Life You Love on page 2
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