NHS advice to call 999 with early heart attack symptoms

The NHS has said that thousands more lives could be saved if people knew how to detect the early signs of a heart attack.

Doctors want people to be more familiar with common early symptoms, such as tightness in the chest and sweating, and to call 999 if they experience them.

The advice comes following a recent poll, which found that fewer than half of people knew to dial 999 for some of the more vague signs.

There are currently over 80,000 hospital admissions for heart attacks each year in England.  The overall survival rate is seven in ten, increasing to nine in ten for those who seek early hospital treatment.

The new NHS campaign, which runs from 14^th February to 31^st March, tells people to call 999 if they experience common early symptoms, including chest tightness, uneasiness and sweating.

Professor Stephen Powis, medical director for NHS England, said thousands of deaths could be avoided with earlier treatment if people recognise these vital signs.

“Sadly, cardiovascular disease causes a quarter of all deaths across the country and we have identified this as the single biggest area where we can save lives over the next decade.

“It can be easy to dismiss early symptoms as they don’t always feel severe, but it is never too early to dial 999 in this circumstance – and the faster you act, the better the chance of a full recovery.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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