A survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Siemens Healthineers reveals that while many Americans worry about heart attacks, a significant number may not act quickly enough when symptoms arise—especially at professional sporting events. This hesitation persists even among those who have previously sought emergency care for heart attack symptoms. These findings highlight the need for greater awareness and proactive healthcare discussions.
A Widespread Concern, Yet Hesitation Remains
The survey, which included more than 1,000 U.S. adults, highlights the prevalence of heart attack experiences: 54% of Americans have either personally visited the emergency room with symptoms of a heart attack or know someone who has. Additionally, nearly half (49%) are concerned about a family member having a heart attack within the next year, and 35% worry about their own risk.
Despite these concerns, 21% of respondents said they would hesitate to leave a sporting event for emergency care if they suspected they were having a heart attack. For American football fans, that number rises to 28%, and among those who have previously visited the ER for heart attack symptoms,19% reported they would still hesitate to leave a game to seek medical care.
A Growing Interest in Heart Attack Risk Assessment
Beyond emergency care, the survey also found that Americans are interested in learning more about their long-term heart health. Two-thirds (67%) of respondents said they would want to know their risk of having a heart attack within the next year, and 75% agreed that having this information would motivate them to make lifestyle changes to lower their risk.
One potential tool for assessing risk is the Atellica IM High-Sensitivity Troponin I (TnIH) blood test, developed and manufactured by Siemens Healthineers. This blood test is already used in emergency rooms to evaluate patients with heart attack symptoms, and it can now be used for patients without heart attack symptoms to assess their risk of a major cardiac event or death within the next year.
Educating Patients forBetter Heart Health
These findings underscore the need for greater public education on the importance of seeking immediate medical care for heart attack symptoms. Clinicians may also consider proactive discussions with at-risk patients about heart attack warning signs and the benefits of prognostic testing to encourage preventive care.
With heart disease remaining the leading cause of death in the U.S., ensuring that patients recognize the urgency of symptoms and have access to predictive risk assessments is crucial in improving outcomes.