CDC reports sudden untreated heart attacks still common

     The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that sudden, untreated heart attacks are still common.  More than 60% of heart disease deaths that occurred in 1999 are attributed to unexpected or sudden heart attacks and nearly half of all heart deaths occurred outside of the hospital.  Further data include, that of sudden cardiac deaths, 16.5% occurred in the emergency room or were pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital and that women were more likely to die before reaching the hospital.

     These statistics have occurred despite advances in the prevention and treatment of heart attacks and improvements in emergency transportation.  Early recognition of heart attack symptoms can lead to early treatment, resulting in less heart damage and fewer deaths.

     The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute report that too few Americans get to the hospital fast enough when a heart attack occurs, waiting two hours or more before seeking emergency care.   Those experiencing heart attack symptoms should seek emergency help within five minutes.  The NHLBI, the American Heart Association and other organizations recently issued several resources aimed at helping Americans know how to react to heart attack symptoms.  For further information on the resources available contact the NHLBI Health Information Center at their Web site, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/actintime.