Knowledge of Acute Myocardial Infarction Symptoms Among the General Adult Population: A Scoping Review

Cardiovascular diseases represent a major public health concern. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) requires prompt assessment and timely access to appropriate healthcare, as treatment delays may affect clinical outcomes. The decision to seek medical assistance may be influenced by how individuals interpret their symptoms and by the involvement of family members or others present during the event. AMI can present with chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain in areas other than the chest, nausea, and other symptoms. These different clinical presentations highlight the importance of understanding which symptoms are known and recognized by the general adult population. Previous studies and reviews have investigated this topic. Research on AMI symptom awareness has been conducted in different geographical settings using various assessment methods, including structured questionnaires, spontaneous symptom recall, and hypothetical scenarios. These methods may assess different aspects of symptom recognition, knowledge, and self-reported responses.Therefore, this scoping review aims to map the available scientific evidence on knowledge and recognition of AMI symptoms among the general adult population. It will identify the main areas investigated and potential gaps in the literature. The findings may help guide future research and identify opportunities for health education and nursing practice.