Knowledge Of Heart Attack Symptoms Research Articles

Effect of a national awareness campaign on ambulance attendances for chest pain and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

AimAwareness of heart attack symptoms may enhance health-seeking behaviour and prevent premature deaths from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We sought to investigate the impact of a national awareness campaign on emergency medical service (EMS) attendances for chest pain and OHCA. MethodsBetween January 2005 and December 2017, we included registry data for 97,860 EMS-attended OHCA cases from 3 Australian regions and dispatch data for 1,631,217 EMS attendances for chest pain across 5 Australian regions. Regions were exposed to between 11 and 28 months of television, radio, and print media activity. Multivariable negative binomial models were used to explore the effect of campaign activity on the monthly incidence of EMS attendances for chest pain and OHCA. ResultsMonths with campaign activity were associated with an 8.8% (IRR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.11) increase in the incidence of EMS attendances for chest pain and a 5.6% (IRR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.92, 0.97) reduction in OHCA attendances. Larger intervention effects were associated with increasing months of campaign activity, increasing monthly media spending and media exposure in 2013. In stratified analyses of OHCA cases, the largest reduction in incidence during campaign months was observed for unwitnessed arrests (IRR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90, 0.96), initial non-shockable arrests (IRR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90, 0.97) and arrests occurring in private residences (IRR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91, 0.98). ConclusionA national awareness campaign targeting knowledge of heart attack symptoms was associated with an increase in EMS use for chest pain and a reduction in OHCA incidence and may serve as an effective primary prevention strategy for OHCA.

Knowledge and Attitude of General People Towards Symptoms of Heart Attack and the Impact of Delay Time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Cardiovascular disease is prevalent worldwide. The goal of this research is to evaluate the knowledge of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, population about heart attack symptoms and risk factors. A one-year cross-sectional study was carried out. The study was conducted on 385 individuals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We used the Acute Coronary Syndrome Response Index, with additional questions added, such as risk factors of heart attack and physical activity time. An anonymous self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect the data. We collected data from 440 participants, but only 385 were included in the analysis. Males represented 41.4% of the participants. In terms of participant knowledge of heart attack symptoms, we found that chest pain or pressure was the most common (80.5%), followed by shortness of breath (77%) and weakness and fatigue (72.0%). In addition, 90.2% and 90.7% of the participants knew that smoking and obesity were risk factors for heart attacks. Furthermore, 46% of participants said they "would not be at all certain" of identifying the symptoms and indicators of a heart attack in another person and 45.7% "in themselves." We found that males were more likely than females to have low knowledge (RR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.24:2.72, P = 0.002). Our findings suggest that there is a lack of awareness of the heart attack warning signs and symptoms. We propose that future local campaigns focus on increasing awareness and recognition of heart attack symptoms.

Assessment of Heart Attack Management and Awareness Among Non-Medical Subjects

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the awareness level of heart attack and its management among nonmedical students. 
 Methodology: It was a cross sectional study and took place from Mar to Apr 2022. 301 non-medical consenting students (aged 16-25 years) responded to our online questionnaire, and their responses were compared to standard answers to estimate awareness. This data was analysed using SPSS version 25.1
 Results: 49(16.3 %) students were male and 252(83.7 %) were females. 265(88 %) of the participants were aware of the term heart attack. 211(70 %) showed good knowledge of risk factors for heart attack. 
 Conclusion: Overall, the subjects showed a good knowledge of heart attack symptoms and risk factors. There was however little awareness about emergency management in case of heart attack.

Gender and Social Inequalities in Awareness of Coronary Artery Disease in European Countries

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the single leading cause of death in Europe and the most common form of cardiovascular disease. Little is known about awareness in the European population. A cross-sectional telephone survey of 2609 individuals from six European countries was conducted to gather information on perceptions of CAD, risk factors, preventive measures, knowledge of heart attack symptoms and ability to seek emergency medical care. Level of awareness was compared according to gender, age, socioeconomic status (SES) and educational level. Women were approximately five times less likely than men to consider heart disease as a main health issue or leading cause of death (OR = 0.224, 95% CI: 0.178–0.280, OR = 0.196, 95% CI: 0.171–0.226). Additionally, women were significantly less likely to have ever had a cardiovascular screening test (OR = 0.515, 95% CI: 0.459–0.578). Only 16.3% of men and 15.3% of women were able to spontaneously identify the main symptoms of a heart attack. Almost half of the sample failed to state that they would call emergency services in case of a cardiac event. Significant differences according to age, SES and education were found for many indicators amongst both men and women. Development of a European strategy targeting improved awareness of CAD and reduced gender and social inequalities within the European population is warranted.

A Cross-sectional Study to Assess the Patient's Confidence Regarding Secondary Lifestyle Modification and Knowledge of Heart Attack Symptoms Following Percutaneous Revascularization in Selected Hospitals of Navi Mumbai, India

Background of the Study: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is affecting millions of people in both developed and developing countries. Although the rate of death attributable to the disease has declined in developed countries in the past several decades, it is still the leading cause of death and extorts a heavy social and economic toll globally. In low-middle income countries, the prevalence of CVD has increased dramatically. By 2020, the disease is forecasted to be the major cause of morbidity and mortality in most developing nations. The Global Burden of Disease study estimate of age-standardized CVD death rate of 272 per 100000 populations in India is higher than the global average of 235 per 100000 populations.
 CAD was estimated to account for around 15%–20% and 6%–9% of all deaths in India and the US. In addition to mortality, CAD is also responsible for morbidity and loss of quality of life
 Materials and Methods: Qualitative cross-sectional study design with a descriptive research approach was adopted for the present study. The study was conducted in D. Y. Patil Hospital and Terna Multi-Speciality Hospital and Research Centre, Nerul, Navi Mumbai with a sample size of 75. A Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. In this study samples were patients who underwent Percutaneous revascularization for coronary artery disease. Data was collected using an Interview technique. The data was tabulated and analysed in terms of objectives of the study, using descriptive and inferential statistics.
 Results: The study results show that the majority of the respondents belonged to the age group 46 - 65 years with a frequency of 27 (36%) and were married 57 (76%). Representation of male respondents was 44 (59%) and the rest of the respondents belonged to female gender. They were educated up to high school and employed (service staff); their monthly income was <30,000. They were currently diagnosed as STEMI 22 (29.33%), NSTEMI 17 (22.66%) and CAD/IHD 36 (48%). All the respondents had undergone PCI for CAD. Majority of them presented with the selected risk factor variables mentioned in the data collection tool. The respondents had knowledge about the classical symptoms of heart attack. However, they were unable to identify the other associative symptoms of heart attack. 97.33% of the respondents verbalized the correct response that is sudden pain and heaviness on the chest (n=73) which reciprocates to and sudden pain at the back of chest bone with pain moving towards the left or both arms (n=18) which reciprocates to 24%. However, few respondents have identified that heart attack is a sudden weakness of the upper arm and lower limb on one side of the body (n=26) which reciprocates to 35% and this option remains incorrect. Although from this (n=8) which reciprocates to 10% of the respondents have also managed to verbalize the right response which suggests that they may not have complete knowledge about heart attack symptoms. There was a significant difference between the number of people who were confident and those who were not confident, also there was a significant difference between confidence to some extent and versus confident (that is P<0.05) about the items on the lifestyle modifying factors. The results indicate that fewer patients were confident about the lifestyle modifying factors. Also, the respondents showed positive correlation (< +1.0) and negative correlation (<-1.0) with risk factor variables.
 The study findings revealed that, patient did not verbalize complete knowledge and confidence regarding secondary lifestyle modification through the statistical analysis. There is a significant difference between the number of people who were confident versus those who were not confident and there was a significant difference between confidence to some extent versus confidence about the items on the lifestyle modifying factors. Also, there is a significant difference between risk factors and all the lifestyle modifying variables.
 Conclusion: There were substantial disparities in the confidence levels associated with lifestyle modification and recognition/response to heart attack. These gaps need to be studied further and disseminated to improve awareness in terms of health education in the population which will eventually increase their level of confidence.

An avatar‐based education application to improve patients’ knowledge of and response to heart attack symptoms: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial protocol

To evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive, avatar-based education application to improve knowledge of and response to heart attack symptoms in people who are at risk of a heart attack. Poor knowledge of heart attack symptoms is recognized as a significant barrier to timely medical treatment. Numerous studies have demonstrated that technology can assist in patient education to improve knowledge and self-care. A single-center, non-blinded, two parallel groups, pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Seventy patients will be recruited from the coronary care unit of a public hospital. Eligible participants will be randomized to either the usual care or the intervention group (usual care plus avatar-based heart attack education app). The primary outcome of this study is knowledge. Secondary outcomes include response to heart attack symptoms, health service use and satisfaction. Study participants will be followed up for 6months. This study will evaluate the avatar-based education app as a method to deliver vital information to patients. Participants' knowledge of and response to heart attack symptoms, and their health service use, will be assessed to evaluate the intervention effectiveness.

Low level of knowledge of heart attack symptoms and inappropriate anticipated treatment-seeking behaviour among older Chinese: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundPrehospital delay of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is common globally, and Hong Kong—home of a rapidly ageing Chinese population—is not an exception. Seeking emergency medical care promptly is important for...

Public knowledge of heart attack symptoms and prevalence of self-reported cardiovascular risk factors in Ilorin, Nigeria

Background and objectives: Despite reduction in door-to-balloon time in the management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), prehospital delay by the patients has remained a major concern as benefits derivable from reperfusion treatments are time dependent. This study aimed at evaluating knowledge and perception of warning signs of heart attack among civil servants in Ilorin, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A pretested structured questionnaire was designed to obtain relevant information on knowledge and perception of heart attack symptoms; and action to be taken if one experiences the condition. Results: Questionnaires from 601 subjects consisting of 312 (51.9%) males and 289 (48.1%) females were analyzed. Although, 78% of the respondents have heard about heart attack, only 44.4% could discriminate a heart attack symptom from other conditions. Higher proportion of women (50.2%) than men (39.1%) could identify a core symptom of heart attack (P 0.05). Higher percentage of women reported prior cardiovascular disease/risk factors than men. Conclusion: We concluded that participants have low knowledge of heart attack symptoms with women being more knowledgeable than their male counterparts. There is the need for community education on heart attack warning signs and the need for early hospital presentation by affected individuals.

O024 Public knowledge of heart attack symptoms and prevalence of self reported cardiovascular risk factors in Ilorin, Nigeria

O024 Public knowledge of heart attack symptoms and prevalence of self reported cardiovascular risk factors in Ilorin, Nigeria

Women at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease Lack Knowledge of Heart Attack Symptoms

It is not known whether cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk level is related to knowledge of the leading cause of death of women or heart attack symptoms. Women with higher CVD risk estimated by Framingham Risk Score (FRS) or metabolic syndrome (MS) have lower CVD knowledge. Women visiting primary care clinics completed a standardized behavioral risk questionnaire. Blood pressure, weight, height, waist size, fasting glucose, and lipid profile were assessed. Women were queried regarding CVD knowledge. Participants (N = 823) were Hispanic women (46%), non-Hispanic white (37%), and non-Hispanic black (8%). FRS was determined in 278: low (63%), moderate (29%), and high (8%); 24% had ≥3 components of MS. The leading cause of death was answered correctly by 54%, heart attack symptoms by 67%. Knowledge was lowest among racial/ethnic minorities and those with less education (both P< 0.001). Increasing FRS was inversely associated with knowing the leading cause of death (low 72%, moderate 68%, high 45%, P = 0.045). After multivariable adjustment, moderate/high FRS was inversely associated with knowing symptoms (moderate odds ratio [OR] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28-0.98; high OR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11-0.81), but not the leading cause of death. MS was inversely associated with knowing the leading cause of death (P< 0.001) or heart attack symptoms (P = 0.018), but not after multivariable adjustment. Women with higher FRS were less likely to know heart attack symptoms. Efforts to target those at higher CVD risk must persist, or the most vulnerable may suffer disproportionately, not only because of risk factors but also inadequate knowledge.

Gestational hypertension: a neglected cardiovascular disease risk marker

The purpose of this study is to examine hypertension and cholesterol screening, knowledge of heart attack symptoms, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among women with a history of gestational hypertension. We used weighted 2008 National Health Interview Survey data to examine health indicators and modifiable CVD risk factors and to estimate prevalence and adjusted odds ratios for recommended CVD screening and knowledge of heart attack symptoms by hypertension history among 11,970 adult women. Among women with gestational hypertension only (n = 301), 93% received the recommended screening for hypertension; 75% received screening for dyslipidemia, and 40% correctly identified 5 of 5 heart attack symptoms. The odds of CVD screenings and knowledge did not differ between women with a history of gestational hypertension and those with no hypertension. However, women with gestational hypertension had higher rates of obesity (43%), CVD (18%), and diabetes mellitus (13%), compared with women without a history of hypertension (21%, 8%, and 3%, respectively). A history of gestational hypertension is a neglected CVD risk marker.

Knowledge of heart attack symptoms and risk factors among native Thais: A street‐intercept survey method

This study aimed to determine Thais' knowledge of heart attack symptoms and risk factors and whether that knowledge was related to age, gender or education. Via a street-intercept survey method, a convenience sample of people aged ≥ 35 years (n = 192) was recruited. Mean age was 47 ± 9.6 years (range 35-81), and 55.2% were female. Participants identified on average 5.6 of 9 heart attack symptoms (SD 1.8) and 5.3 of 8 heart attack risk factors (SD 2.1). However, 66.7% mistakenly thought the chest discomfort would be severe, sharp and stabbing, and many subjects erroneously selected symptoms that are actually stroke symptoms. There were no gender or educational differences in knowledge of heart attack symptoms and risk factors. Older adults recognized fewer total symptoms than did younger adults. These findings could direct health-care providers to help the Thai population differentiate symptoms of heart attack from stroke.

Knowledge of Heart Attack Symptoms and Risk Factors Among Native Thais

Knowledge of Heart Attack Symptoms and Risk Factors Among Native Thais

20: Knowledge of Heart Attack Symptoms in a Population Survey in Ecuador

20: Knowledge of Heart Attack Symptoms in a Population Survey in Ecuador

Public knowledge of heart attack symptoms in Beijing residents

Definitive treatment for heart attack is early reperfusion with either angioplasty or thrombolytic therapy, and the benefit is strictly time-dependent. Patient outcomes are improved with either therapy when initiated as soon as possible. Recognition of heart attack symptoms is logically tied to taking action to receive prompt emergency care. Inadequate knowledge of heart attack symptoms may prolong delay. The purpose of this study was to document knowledge about heart attack symptoms in Beijing residents and to identify the characteristics associated with increased knowledge of heart attack. A structured survey was conducted in 18 communities in Beijing from March 1 through June 10 in 2006. Addresses and participants were selected randomly following a stratification. The survey was designed to collect knowledge of heart attack symptoms from sampled adults in each community. A total of 4627 respondents completed the questionnaires correctly, and 50.29% of them were female. Totally 64.15% of the respondents reported chest pain or discomfort (common symptoms) as a symptom of heart attack; 75.38% reported at least one of the following eight symptoms as a symptom of heart attack: back pain, shortness of breath, arm pain or numbness, nausea or vomiting, neck, jaw or shoulder pain, epigastric pain, sweating, weakness (less common symptoms); 20.36% correctly reported four or more heart attack symptoms, only 7.4% knew all the correct heart attack symptoms, and 28.94% knew about reperfusion therapy for heart attack; 31.7% reported to call 120 or 999 while having a heart attack themselves; however 89.6% reported to call 120 or 999 when someone else is suffering from a heart attack. Very old persons and those with health insurance coverage, high education level, high household income, longer living in Beijing and previous experience with heart disease had greater knowledge of heart attack symptoms. Public knowledge of common heart attack symptoms as well as less common heart attack symptoms is deficient in Beijing residents. But their knowledge of calling emergency medical services when someone is having a heart attack is relatively adequate. Public health efforts are needed to increase the recognition of the major heart attack symptoms in both the general public and groups at high risk for an acute cardiac event, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged subgroups, including persons with low education level, low household income, and no health insurance coverage.

Korean Immigrants’ Knowledge of Heart Attack Symptoms and Risk Factors

This study assessed the knowledge of heart attack symptoms and risk factors in a convenience sample of Korean immigrants. A total of 116 Korean immigrants in a Midwestern metropolitan area were recruited through Korean churches and markets. Knowledge was assessed using both open-ended questions and a structured questionnaire. Latent class cluster analysis and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. About 76% of the sample had at least one self-reported risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Using an open-ended question, the majority of subjects could only identify one symptom. In the structured questionnaire, subjects identified a mean of 5 out of 10 heart attack symptoms and a mean of 5 out of 9 heart attack risk factors. Latent class cluster analysis showed that subjects clustered into two groups for both risk factors and symptoms: a high knowledge group and a low knowledge group. Subjects who clustered into the risk factor low knowledge group (48%) were more likely than the risk factor high knowledge group to be older than 65 years, to have lower education, to not know to use 911 when a heart attack occurred, and to not have a family history of heart attack. Korean immigrants' knowledge of heart attack symptoms and risk factors was variable, ranging from high to very low. Education should be focused on those at highest risk for a heart attack, which includes the elderly and those with risk factors.

Public knowledge of heart attack in a Nepalese population survey

Limited knowledge of heart attack symptoms may prevent patients from seeking time-dependent thrombolytic therapy, an intervention that offers impressive survival benefit. Previous studies carried out in developed countries demonstrated a deficit of knowledge about a wide range of heart attack symptoms. The aim of this study was to describe knowledge of heart attack, knowledge of heart attack symptoms, and anticipated first response to symptoms among the lay public in Nepal. A total of 1192 participants (657 men and 535 women age 16 to 88 years old) were interviewed in a cross-sectional manner. Those <16 years of age, all health professionals, and individuals with a history of heart attack were excluded. A total of 862 (72.3%) participants had heard of heart attack. Significantly more male than female participants had heard of heart attack (P <.001). Of the respondents, 91.7% with >or=10 years of education (ED-2) had heard of heart of attack, whereas only 54% respondents with <10 years of education or who were illiterate (unable to read and write) (ED-1) had heard of heart attack, and in both the male and female populations, a higher percentage of the ED-2 group had heard of heart attack than the ED-1 group (92.6% vs. 60% and 85.6% vs. 49.6%, respectively). A significantly higher number of respondents from 31 to 50 years of age (AGE-2) had heard of heart attack than those 16 to 30 years of age (AGE-1) and those >50 years of age (AGE-3) (P <.001). Among 862 respondents who had heard of heart attack, 21.3% could not name any heart attack symptoms. A total of 16 different heart attack symptoms were named. Fainting or collapsing (48%), chest pain (22.4%), shortness of breath (9%), dizziness (8.4%), palpitations (7.4%), and sweating (7.4%) were the leading symptoms named by respondents. Fainting or collapsing and chest pain and shortness of breath were named more frequently among the ED-2 group respondents and the AGE-3 group men. Only 3.7% could name >or=2 typical heart attack symptoms. A significantly larger number of the ED-2 group named >or=2 typical symptoms than their counterparts (P <0.001). A large number (77.6%) of respondents preferred immediate hospital referral and/or doctor consultation after a heart attack. In Nepal, better-educated men are more aware of heart attack. Fainting or collapsing and chest pain and shortness of breath were leading heart attack symptoms named by the general population. Public heart attack awareness is not adequate and knowledge of wide range of heart attack symptoms is deficient in the Nepalese general population.

Knowledge of Heart Attack Symptoms in Older Men and Women at Risk for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women. While adults 65 years of age and older comprise the largest percentage of those who experience an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), investigators to date have failed to examine the knowledge of this population about AMI symptoms. The purpose of this study was to document knowledge about cardiovascular disease and AMI symptoms in older individuals with coronary heart disease to identify the characteristics associated with increased knowledge of cardiovascular disease. A descriptive design was used with a convenience sample of (N = 115) older adults at risk for AMI. Data were collected during face-to-face interviews in the participants' homes and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, chi, and multiple regression analysis. Men and women were not significantly different in their knowledge of AMI symptoms except for jaw pain. More than 95% of the both men and women knew typical symptoms of AMI, such as chest pain, pressure, shortness of breath, arm or shoulder pain, and sweating. Less than 75% of both men and women knew that symptoms such as neck pain, nausea or vomiting, back pain, heartburn, and jaw pain could be symptoms of AMI. Thirty-one percent did not know about reperfusion therapies in the treatment of AMI. Having a cardiologist involved in care was weakly predictive of less knowledge. Education and counseling of older patients at high risk for heart disease is complex, but should emphasize atypical symptoms and treatment options.

Public Knowledge of Heart Attack in a Population Survey in Nepal

Limited knowledge of heart attack symptoms causes patients’ delay for early time Dependant thrombolytic therapy, which offers impressive survival benefit. Previous studies carried out in developed countries demonstrated the deficient of knowledge about wide range of heart attack symptoms. This study first reveals public awareness and knowledge of heart attack symptoms in developing country Like Nepal,

Levels of cardiac knowledge and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training among older people in Queensland

Objectives: The current study was conducted to determine levels of cardiac knowledge and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in older people in Queensland, Australia. Methods: A telephone survey of 4490 Queensland adults examined respondents’ knowledge of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, knowledge of heart attack symptoms, knowledge of the local emergency telephone number, as well as respondents’ rates and recency of training in CPR. Results: Older participants, aged 60 years and over, were approximately one and a half times more likely than the 30–39 year‐old reference group to have limited knowledge of heart disease risk factors (OR = 1.53), and low knowledge of heart attack symptoms (OR = 1.60). Knowledge of the local emergency telephone number also decreased with age. Older participants had significantly lower rates of training in CPR, with almost three quarters (71.7%) reporting that they had never been trained. Older people who had completed CPR training were significantly less likely to have done so recently. Conclusions: Cardiac knowledge levels and CPR training rates in older Queensland persons were lower than those found in the younger population.