Heart Health Matters: Unveiling Public Perceptions of Heart Attack Symptoms and Risk Factors in Mumbai

Background: Heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), is a critical cardiovascular event with significant global morbidity and mortality. Timely recognition of heart attack symptoms and understanding associated risk factors are crucial for effective medical intervention and improved patient outcomes. However, there is a knowledge gap among the general public regarding heart attack symptoms and risk factors, which can lead to delayed medical attention during a heart attack. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Mumbai, India, between March 2023 and May 2023. The study population consisted of 400 adults above 18 years residing in Mumbai for at least 12 months. A structured Google Form questionnaire was used to assess knowledge about heart attack symptoms and risk factors. Data were collected via various online platforms, and analysis was performed using Epi Info V7 software. Results: Among the study participants, 91.25% correctly identified a heart attack as myocardial infarction. However, only 75.75% recognized common heart attack symptoms, and approximately 71.75% identified risk factors associated with heart attacks. Additionally, only 24.5% knew how to perform CPR in a heart attack emergency, and awareness of the "Golden Hour" concept was limited to 25.75% of participants. However, positive aspects were noted, with 69% acknowledging the benefits of regular exercise in preventing heart attacks, and 71.75% understanding the importance of health check-ups for heart disease risk assessment. Conclusion: The study reveals significant knowledge gaps among the general public in Mumbai regarding heart attack symptoms and risk factors. Public health campaigns and targeted educational interventions are crucial for improving awareness and promoting preventive measures. Empowering the public with accurate information can lead to timely medical attention and better cardiovascular health outcomes in Mumbai.