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Notice to Readers: American Heart Month --- February 2002
February is American Heart Month. During 2002, an estimated 1.1 million Americans will have a first or recurrent
heart attack, and approximately 700,000 will die of heart disease. Among those who die, approximately 60% will die
suddenly before they can reach a hospital. Recognizing and responding promptly to heart attack symptoms and receiving
the appropriate artery opening treatment within 1 hour of symptom onset can prevent or limit heart damage
(1). Early defibrillation within 6 minutes is the best treatment for cardiac arrest.
The American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, state and federal agencies, and many
CDC cardiovascular programs are developing and implementing activities to increase public awareness about the symptoms
and signs of a heart attack. For example, during February, the Missouri state health department will promote information
about heart attack symptoms at sporting events; the National Heart Attack Alert Program of the National Heart, Lung, and
Blood Institute and the American Heart Association are collaborating on a nationwide heart attack education campaign, "Act
in Time to Heart Attack Signs," which promotes awareness of heart attack symptoms and the formulation between patient
and physician of a heart attack survival plan that emphasizes the importance of calling 9-1-1 as soon as symptoms begin
(1).
Ornato JP, Hand MM. Warning signs of a heart attack. Circulation 2001;104:1212--3.
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