Language: English
The healthcare portal for patients and the general public in Europe
This service contains links to third party websites. EPG Patient Direct is not in a position to verify this information and cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the content contained.
13 Aug 2008
People should seek medical treatment as soon as they suspect they are experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack, it has been stressed.
David Barker, head of communications at the British Heart Foundation, states it is vital for people to realise that heart attacks depicted on television do not often offer a realistic representation of what happens if and when one occurs in real life.
He makes his comments following Heart Attack Awareness Day, which took place yesterday (August 11th), adding that the signs and symptoms of a heart attack may be less dramatic than people think.
"It's crucial that people realise that the 'Hollywood' heart attack often shown in movies and on TV isn't always a realistic depiction of what can happen," Mr Barker continues.
The symptoms of a heart attack may well include chest pains or discomfort which could extend down the arms and other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath and light-headedness.
Figures released by the British Heart Foundation to coincide with Heart Attack Awareness Day suggest that nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of people would not call 999 straight away if they experienced unusual chest pains.
More health news
Delicious
Reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
