Recognising potential signs of a heart attack

Posted on February 16th, 2022

This February, NHS England and NHS Improvement is raising awareness of heart attack symptoms as part of the latest ‘Help Us Help You’ campaign.

Heart and circulatory disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, causes a quarter of all deaths in the UK and is one of the largest causes of premature mortality in deprived areas.

The NHS is encouraging everybody to recognise the potential signs of a heart attack, so if you or somebody you’re with experiences any symptoms, you know how to access help as quickly as possible. The early signs of a heart attack can vary and may not always feel severe. The most common symptoms include squeezing across the chest and a feeling of unease.

New research reveals that just 41% of those surveyed knew sweating was a sign of a heart attack, and only 27% of people knew feeling weak, lightheaded or a having a feeling of general unease were also symptoms. In addition, 75% of those surveyed thought a heart attack could be referred to as a cardiac arrest, and 46% did not recognise squeezing across the chest as a symptom of heart attacks.

It can be easy to dismiss the early signs of a heart attack but it’s never too early to call 999 and describe your symptoms. The faster you act, the better the chance of a positive outcome.