NHS England heart attack campaign uses accessible formats
NHS England and NHS Improvement is raising awareness of heart attack symptoms as part of the latest ‘Help Us Help You’ campaign and have produced resources in alternative formats including braille, BSL and easy read materials which are available on the PHE Campaign Resources Centre.
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 a 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.
If you are a BSL user, deaf, have hearing loss or a speech impairment you can text 999 but you need to register your phone in advance. Find out more at emergencysms.net
Find out more about the signs of a heart attack at nhs.uk/heartattack
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