Heart attack sufferers delaying 111 call

Media release

11 July, 2016

Heart attack sufferers delaying 111 call

The Heart Foundation is calling on Kiwis to put aside their ‘she’ll be right attitude’ and dial 111 immediately if they suspect they or another person is having a heart attack.

Heart Foundation Medical Director Dr Gerry Devlin said too many New Zealanders are placing themselves at increased risk of death or permanent heart damage by putting off that important call.

Gerry, who works as an Interventional Cardiologist at Waikato Hospital, said it can be frustrating to see people turning up at an emergency department many hours after heart attack symptoms began.

“The traditional Kiwi ‘she’ll be right’ attitude can be fatal,” Gerry said.

“When a heart attack happens, life-threatening rhythm problems are common. As such, early access to a defibrillator is really important to save lives. This is why we recommend calling 111 immediately. Also, the earlier the blocked artery is opened up, the less long-term damage there is to the heart muscle. Speed is critical.”

Gerry said the Heart Foundation’s own research shows that people often overthink the need to call an ambulance.

“People can hesitate for a number of reasons, including a sense of embarrassment, uncertainty about whether a person is having a heart attack, and even feeling that they somehow need permission from others before dialling 111.

“In this kind of situation, people can start second-guessing themselves and doubts can creep in leading to inaction.

Gerry said it’s vital that all Kiwis are aware of the symptoms of a heart attack and act with urgency.

“It’s okay to call for an ambulance, even if it turns out not to be a heart attack. Let the medical professionals do their job and determine whether the patient is having a potentially life-threatening event.”

Symptoms of a heart attack can include: chest discomfort lasting 10 minutes or more; pain that spreads to the jaw, shoulders or back; excessive sweating; shortness of breath; and nausea.

“It’s not always the dramatic chest-crushing pain that people imagine it to be.”

Gerry said women sometimes experience different symptoms to men.

“Like men, the most common heart attack symptom for women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to experience other less obvious symptoms such as discomfort in the upper back, nausea, sweating and unusual fatigue.”

The Heart Foundation will be running its national Heart Attack Awareness campaign this month. It includes a television commercial which goes to air from 10 July, highlighting the symptoms of a heart attack.

“Heart disease is New Zealand’s biggest killer, claiming more than one life every 90 minutes. Many of these deaths could be prevented if people were able to recognise the symptoms and dial 111.”

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