Signs & Symptoms of Heart Attack

Heart disease is the leading cause, and stroke is the third leading cause, of death in both Connecticut and the United States. Heart disease and stroke are also major causes of disability among adults.1 Healthy People 2010 national objectives for both heart disease and stroke include increasing the proportion of persons who are aware of the early warning symptoms and signs of heart attack (objective no. 12.2) and stroke (objective no. 12.8) and the necessity of calling 911 when persons are suffering from either of these conditions.2 Early recognition and calling 911 increase the likelihood of immediate emergency transport to the hospital and timely medical care that can reduce disability and death.

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System telephone survey (BRFSS) gathers information about heart attack and stroke awareness in its telephone survey of adults 18 years and older. Findings from the Connecticut 2004 BRFSS suggest that Connecticut adults are likely to recognize some signs of heart attack and stroke but not others. For example, about 96% of adults recognize chest pain or discomfort, but only about 64% of adults recognize jaw, neck or back pain, as symptoms of heart attack (Table 1). About 98% of adults recognize sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, but only 76% recognize severe headache, as signs of stroke.

Heart disease is the leading cause, and stroke is the third leading cause, of death in both Connecticut and the United States. Heart disease and stroke are also major causes of disability among adults.1 Healthy People 2010 national objectives for both heart disease and stroke include increasing the proportion of persons who are aware of the early warning symptoms and signs of heart attack (objective no. 12.2) and stroke (objective no. 12.8) and the necessity of calling 911 when persons are suffering from either of these conditions.2 Early recognition and calling 911 increase the likelihood of immediate emergency transport to the hospital and timely medical care that can reduce disability and death.Heart Attack Symptoms Heart Attack Symptoms Heart Attack Symptoms Heart Attack Symptoms Heart Attack
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System telephone survey (BRFSS) gathers information about heart attack and stroke awareness in its telephone survey of adults 18 years and older. Findings from the Connecticut 2004 BRFSS suggest that Connecticut adults are likely to recognize some signs of heart attack and stroke but not others. For example, about 96% of adults recognize chest pain or discomfort, but only about 64% of adults recognize jaw, neck or back pain, as symptoms of heart attack (Table 1). About 98% of adults recognize sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, but only 76% recognize severe headache, as signs of stroke

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