The NHS has launched a new Heart Attack campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of a heart attack.
People act upon chest pain or symptoms commonly associated with cardiac arrests, however heart attacks can also show themselves in different ways. People may not recognise other symptoms such as general feeling of unease, feeling weak or lightheaded. Some people feel a tightness or squeezing in the chest, rather than pain.
The campaign encourages anyone experiencing these symptoms to dial 999, including people who may act as a ‘heart attack helper’ by dialling 999 on behalf of someone else. The campaign launched to coincide with Valentine’s Day on 14 February and will run to 31 March.
Heart and circulatory disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, causes a quarter of all deaths in the UK and is the largest cause of premature mortality in deprived areas. This is the single biggest area where the NHS can save lives over the next 10 years.