Only about one in four adults are aware of the five major warning signs of heart attacks, according to a U.S. report that may have implications for Canadians.

The survey from the U.S. centers for Disease Control and Prevention interviewed 72,000 people by telephone in 2005. It found that, nationally:

  • 92 per cent recognized chest pain or discomfort as a sign of a heart attack;
  • 93 per cent recognized shortness of breath
  • 62 per cent, feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint
  • 85 per cent, pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder
  • 48 per cent, pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back

In total, awareness of all five warning signs was just 31 per cent.

In addition, only 86 per cent said they would dial 911 if they thought someone was having a heart attack or stroke.

The groups best informed of heart attack warning signs and what to do about them tended to be white, highly educated (more than a high school diploma), and women.

The study's lead author, Dr. Jing Fang, called public awareness in the new survey "alarmingly low" and noted a decline in knowledge since the last survey in 2001, which showed nearly 1 in 3 to be well informed.

The study, published in this week's issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, notes that about half of cardiac deaths occur within one hour of symptom onset, before patients reach a hospital, so recognizing the early symptoms is crucial.

"Timely access to emergency cardiac care, receipt of advanced treatment, and potential for surviving a heart attack all depend on 1) early recognition of warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack by persons who are having a heart attack and bystanders and 2) immediately calling 9-1-1," the report reads.

The report says the results underscore the need for public health measures to increase public awareness of heart attack warning signs and symptoms and that new public health measures should "target populations with the lowest levels of awareness."

Canada's Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends that if you ever experience any of the sign of a heart attack, you should:

  • Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately, or have someone call for you. Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone at all times.
  • Stop all activity and sit or lie down, in whatever position is most comfortable.
  • If you take nitroglycerin, take your normal dosage.
  • If you are experiencing chest pain, chew and swallow one adult 325 mg ASA tablet (acetylsalicylic acid, commonly referred to as Aspirin锟�) or two 80 mg tablets. Pain medicines such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil锟�) do not work the same way as ASA (i.e. Aspirin锟�) and therefore will not help in the emergency situation described above.
  • Rest comfortably and wait for emergency medical services (EMS) (e.g., ambulance) to arrive.