Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers, is reminding Pine Rivers residents to be heart smart and learn about the warning signs of a heart attack this Heart Week (2-8 May).

Carolyn Male MP said this year, the Heart Foundation is asking Queenslanders one important question - will you recognise your heart attack?

“Heart disease is the single leading cause of death in Australia - one person dies from a heart attack every 46 minutes,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“The warning signs can be varied and differ for each person - heart attacks are not always sudden or severe, with many starting with only mild pain or discomfort.”

“Symptoms usually last for at least 10 minutes and can come on suddenly or develop over minutes and get progressively worse.”

“In addition to discomfort or pain in the chest, warning signs can also include pressure or discomfort in the neck, shoulders, arms, back and jaw,” Carolyn Male MP said.

Other signs and symptoms include:

- feeling short of breath
- feeling nauseous
- a cold sweat
- feeling dizzy or light-headed
- a choking feeling in the throat
- arms feeling heavy and useless.

“Too many people lose their lives because they don’t recognise the symptoms and wait too long to call Triple Zero (000).”

“It’s always better to call Triple Zero and find out it’s not a heart attack than to wait until it’s too late.”

Heart Week is a great opportunity to get involved in a Heart Foundation Walking group. Visit www.heartfoundation.org.au/walking for information about Heart Foundation Walking or to register for a walking group.

For important information on recognising the symptoms of a heart attack visit www.heartattackfacts.org.au. For further information about the Heart Foundation or Heart Week 2010 visit www.heartfoundation.org.au or call 1300 362 787.