ATLANTA — Only about a quarter of Americans know the warning signs of a heart attack and what to do first, according to a new government report.
That’s a decline in knowledge since the last survey, in 2001, which showed nearly a third to be well informed.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Jing Fang, called public awareness in the new survey “alarmingly low.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, surveyed residents of 13 states and the District of Columbia.
Heart-attack warning signs can include one or more of these five symptoms: shortness of breath; pain or discomfort in the chest; discomfort in the arms or shoulder; a feeling of weakness or lightheadedness; and discomfort in the jaw, neck or back.
Chest pain is the most common symptom. Women are more likely than men to experience some of the other symptoms, particularly shortness of breath and back or jaw pain.
Anyone experiencing those symptoms should call 911, the heart association advises.
The CDC’s findings were based on a random-digit-dial telephone survey of about 72,000 people in 2005.
