CLICK TO READ MOREThe symptoms of a heart attack may be so subtle that many patients don't recognize them.
Most Americans (85%) are aware of the ominous interpretation of chest pain, shows a national survey reported here, but only about a third recognize discomfort in the neck (36%), back (32%), and jaw (30%) as common signs of an MI. And only 23% are aware that nausea could also be a sign.
On top of that, only 40% of the respondents say they would seek medical attention if they had any of these symptoms, whereas 59% said they would wait to see if the symptoms subsided. Fourteen percent said they would call 911 right away.
Not knowing the more subtle signs of a heart attack could cost patients time that might help save their lives, indicated authors of the survey, conducted by Harris Interactive and sponsored by PDL BioPharma, a medical research company.