16 October 2010
Hard-hitting campaign
prevents heart attack deaths
More than 4500 Queenslanders die from heart attack each year and more than half of
those deaths occur before the person reaches hospital, the Heart Foundation said
today.
Acting quickly on heart attack warning signs is the message behind a series of hard-
hitting advertisements for television, radio and print.
“The aim of the Will you recognise your heart attack campaign is to urge the public to
know the warning signs and what to do if they are experiencing the early warning
signs of a heart attack,” Heart Foundation Chief Executive Cameron Prout said.
“Too many Queenslanders die or have permanent heart damage because they wait
too long to call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance. Recent findings from a Gold Coast
study indicate that 2 out of 3 people experiencing a heart attack presented to hospital
at least 2 hours after their symptoms started and almost 1 in 4 took more than 12
hours.
“With heart attack, every minute counts. Knowing the warning signs of heart attack
and acting quickly reduces the amount of heart muscle damage and increases the
chance of survival.”
Heart Foundation research has shown that while most people know the warning signs
of chest and arm pain, nearly nine of out ten don’t know other equally serious signs
including jaw, neck and shoulder pain. Other symptoms could include nausea,
shortness of breath, dizziness and cold sweat.
“The campaign is designed to educate the public about the range of heart attack
warning signs which are more varied and less understood than the clichéd Hollywood
heart attack,” Mr Prout said.
“We also want to let people know that it’s OK to call Triple Zero, even if it turns out to
be a false alarm – nobody ever died of embarrassment, but many people have died
from heart attacks because they didn’t get help quickly enough.”
For more information on the warning signs of heart attack visit
Other key statistics:
o
Heart disease is the leading single cause of death in Queensland.
o
Heart disease death rates are 11% higher in Queensland than Australia.
For more information please contact:
Jill Sims, Communication& Media Manager Mobile 0421 911 116 or Desk (07) 3872 2541
Email: jill.sims@heartfoundation.org.au
NEWS 
