Among South Korean adults, less than half are aware of the early symptoms of a heart attack (myocardial infarction) (Image courtesy of Yonhap News)
SEOUL, Sept. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – Among South Korean adults, less than half are aware of the early symptoms of a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, a regional community health survey conducted last year of 230,000 Korean adults over 19 years of age across the country showed that only 47.1 percent provided correct answers to all questions about the early symptoms of a heart attack.
The awareness rate for the early symptoms of a heart attack rose to 56.9 percent in 2019 from 46.5 percent in the initial survey conducted in 2017. However, this rate fell back below 50 percent last year.
The agency attributed the decline in the awareness rate to a slight decrease in public interest in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Heart attacks occur when the coronary artery, responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscles, is suddenly blocked, leading to the death of heart muscle tissue, and potentially resulting in cardiac arrest.
Given its high mortality rate, early detection of the symptoms and prompt treatment are crucial.
Early symptoms of heart attacks include severe chest pain or a feeling of tightness, intense pain or a lump-like feeling in the chest, chin, or neck areas, shortness of breath, and pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulders.
J. S. Shin (js_shin@koreabizwire.com)
