SUNDAY marks the start of National Heart Week and this year the Heart
Foundation’s campaign aims to educate people on the early warning signs of a
heart attack.
As the Heart Foundation points out heart attack symptoms can
vary from person to person and may not always be sudden or severe.
“Although
chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom, some people will not
experience chest pain at all,” the Heart Foundation said.
“Symptoms may
include pain, pressure, heaviness or tightness in one or more parts of the upper
body including chest, neck, jaw, arm(s), shoulder(s) or back, in combination
with other symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness or a cold
sweat.”
Heart Foundation statistics reveal more than 50 per cent of all heart
attack deaths occur before the person reaches hospital.
However, by bringing
the issue to light during National Heart Week, the foundation hopes this figure
can be dramatically reduced.
“Learn the warning signs today and survive
tomorrow” is the Heart Foundation’s slogan this National Heart Week.
While it
is important to recognise signs of a heart attack and how to respond
accordingly, Swan Hill Rural City Council and Swan Hill District Health are
urging local residents to be proactive by putting preventative measures in place
as part of National Heart Week.
For more of this story, see Friday’s Guardian (May 3).
