Assessing Public Awareness of Symptoms of Acute Coronary Syndrome and Awareness of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Objectives: Early recognition of symptoms and prompt hospital presentation for ischemic heart disease can significantly impact patient outcomes. Many patients delay treatment due to limited awareness of the symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The study aimed to evaluate public awareness of ACS symptoms, risk factors, and the steps of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Material and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital and a community clinic over 3 months. The questionnaire included details about demographics, education level, risk factors, typical symptoms, and information on how to respond to ACS initially. The questionnaire underwent expert review and pilot testing ( n = 25). All the data were collected through one-on-one surveys with subjects aged 18–91. Results: A total of 801 subjects participated. Of these, 471 (58.8%) were male, and 330 (41.2%) were female. Of the participants, more than half (54.8%) knew that chest pain is a common symptom of ACS. A considerable proportion of the participants (74.9%) do not know how to perform CPR. More than two-fifths of subjects (44%) know that smoking increases the chance of ACS. Some respondents (74.1%) were unaware that diabetes mellitus patients do not experience symptoms of ACS. Conclusion: The study results revealed insufficient public awareness of ACS symptoms, risk factors, and CPR steps, particularly among females, younger adults, and non-graduates. We recommend targeted educational programs focusing on these vulnerable groups to improve early recognition and response, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality.