Category: Heart Health & Wellness
Published by: Yarima.org Editorial Health Team
Estimated Reading Time: ~4 minutes
🔍 What the Study Was About
This CDC report looked at how well U.S. adults recognize common heart attack symptoms and know what to do when someone is having one. It compared survey data from 2008, 2014, and 2017.
📈 What the Report Found
- Awareness of all five key heart attack symptoms rose from ~40% in 2008 to ~50% in 2017.
- The percentage of adults who said the correct response (“Call 9-1-1”) if someone is having a heart attack grew from ~92% to ~95% between 2008 and 2017.
- Gaps persist: Awareness was lower among men, younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with less education.
🧭 Why This Matters
Knowing heart attack symptoms (like chest discomfort, jaw/neck/back pain, arm/shoulder pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness) and reacting quickly is critical — early care can save lives and reduce long‐term damage.
Even though more people showed knowledge over time, half of adults still could not name all the symptoms in 2017.
✅ What You Should Do
- Memorize the key symptoms of a heart attack and make sure your family or friends do too.
- React immediately: if you suspect someone’s having a heart attack, call emergency services without delay.
- Spread awareness: share the information with those who might be at higher risk and may be less informed.
- Regular check-ins: If you have heart disease risk factors (high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity), discuss warning-sign education with your doctor.
💡 Bottom Line
Knowledge of heart attack symptoms and response has improved — but it’s not yet universal.
Today, about half of U.S. adults still don’t know all five main signs, meaning many may delay seeking help.
Knowing symptoms + acting fast = better survival and heart health outcomes.
📌 Reference
Fang J, Luncheon C, Ayala C, Odom E, Loustalot F. Awareness of Heart Attack Symptoms and Response Among Adults — United States, 2008, 2014, and 2017. MMWR 2019;68(5):101–106.
Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6805a2.htm