Women at risk due to 'heart attack embarrassment'

A third of women would delay seeking help for a possible heart attack because they fear embarrassment if it turns out not to be serious, research shows.

One in three women also admitted that they probably would not recognise a heart attack, because they expect to experience crushing or severe chest pain, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Around 90,000 people die from heart attacks every year in the UK, with a third of people passing away before reaching hospital often because they wait too long before seeking medical help.

Dr Mike Knapton, BHF associate medical director, warned that 'every second counts when you are having a heart attack'.

He explained: 'Heart attack symptoms do affect people differently so it is vital that women - and men - familiarise themselves with them and use today's date to help them remember that by calling 999 they are giving themselves the best possible chance at surviving.'

Recent research carried out for the BHF by Imperial College London indicated that vegetables including broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower can boost a natural defence mechanism that protect arteries from disease.