Heart attack victims reluctant to call for emergency aid

Published on 23/06/2012 00:00

People living in deprived areas are more likely to suffer heart attacks, yet are reluctant to call for medical help.

An Audit Scotland report on cardiology services said those from poorer communities were also less likely to reach hospital alive and more likely to die during a heart attack.

Meanwhile, a survey conducted by Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland showed that people in less-deprived areas were more than twice as likely to recognise symptoms of cardiovascular problems, particularly of a heart attack, and to seek help more quickly – with three out of four dialling 999 within 30 minutes.

The survey of 100 patients also found that males were more than twice as likely as females to seek help, following acute pain.