Relaxed Kiwi attitude raises risk of deadly heart attack - research

New Zealanders are missing out on potentially life-saving treatment. Photo / Thinkstock

Our easy-going Kiwi nature and "she'll be right attitude" could prove deadly when it comes to dealing with symptoms of a heart attack.

New research by the Heart Foundation, has found that this relaxed attitude is one reason many New Zealanders delay getting help and risk missing out on potentially life-saving treatment.

The survey of 1422 people shows this "she'll be right attitude", concerns about the cost of an ambulance and medical care, and a "fatalistic view that this is meant to happen" are key reasons why people delay medical treatment.

But more than one Kiwi dies because of heart disease every 90 minutes, Heart Foundation medical director Dr Gerry Devlin said.

"Many of these deaths are premature and preventable," he said. "It's as if people are looking for someone to tell them it's okay to call for help."

Past research shows many New Zealanders take too long to seek medical attention, when they or someone nearby presents with symptoms of a heart attack, Dr Devlin said.

Those most likely to delay seeking help are women and those of low socio-economic status.

Signs of a heart attack include chest discomfort, pain in the jaw, shoulders or back, excessive sweating, shortness of breath and nausea.

These symptoms are not always that obvious, Dr Devlin said, but the key thing is chest discomfort, which can be heaviness or tightness, in particular when associated with exercise.

"If you got prolonged discomfort that lasts for greater than fifteen minutes then dial 111."

But he added anyone experiencing intermittent discomfort, in particular if associated with exercise, should contact their doctor.

"The quicker someone gets treatment, the quicker blood flow can be restored to the arteries reducing the amount of damage and increasing the chance of survival.

"Ideally we need patients to be receiving life-saving medical care within 60 minutes of the onset of symptoms - not six hours later or the next day."

Signs of a heart attack:

• Pain in the jaw, shoulders or back

• Excessive sweating

• Shortness of breath

• Nausea

• Chest discomfort

What to do:

• If chest discomfort lasts for longer than 15 minutes call 111

• If discomfort is intermittent contact your doctor