While those with a family history of diabetes are most at risk, increasing number of heart attacks being noticed are due to smoking, bad food habits and sedentary lifestyle.
A study involving over 6,000 respondents between July and August this year, has revealed that 68% do not perceive radiating pain in the jaw, arms, shoulders and abdomen for more than 20 minutes. Instead, they pop a pill for acidity, causing crucial delay in seeking care. The awareness was the least among the youth between the ages 18 and 25 and stood at 27%.
What is worse, is that the number of patients below the age of 35 are steadily on the rise in the city. "While in the US, out of 100 around 3 or 4 patients will be those below 35, in Mumbai the number is as high as 15," said Dr Hasmukh Ravat, senior interventional cardiologist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund.
While those with a family history of diabetes are most at risk, increasing number of heart attacks being noticed are due to smoking, bad food habits and sedentary lifestyle.
"I see a lot of patients, who are in management jobs, head projects or are vice presidents of their companies. They have to put up with stringent deadlines and the stress makes them prone to heart conditions," added Ravat.
The survey, that was conducted by Fortis Hospital also observed, that awareness levels were higher among the females. Around 70% of those surveyed, correctly identified the symptoms of a heart attack as opposed to 59% of the men.
Most, however, were unable to identify the symptoms of heart attack correctly. "People have the wrong impression, thanks to the movies and media, that there is intense pain in the chest during a heart attack. Most of the times, patients just experience a mild discomfort," said Dr Ashwin Mehta, director of cardiology, Jaslok Hospital.
In urban areas, the lack of adequate exercise and bad food choices is fuelling the rise in heart ailments. "Adopting a good lifestyle is not a treatment, but should be a way of life," added Mehta.
Risk factors for heart disease
Family history of heart attack
Smoking
Sedentary Lifestyle
Unhealthy food habits
Symptoms of heart attack
Pain or discomfort in the chest/shoulder for over 20 mins
Perspiration or feeling of nausea
Radiating pain in the jaw
What to do in case of heart attack?
"While you must immediately call an ambulance, taking an aspirin in the meanwhile can go a long way in increasing your longevity," said Mehta.
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