A third of women would delay calling 999 when suffering a heart attack as they would not recognise the symptoms, according to research by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

One in three women would expect to experience crushing or severe chest pain when suffering from a heart attack, but they are actually more likely to have a dull pain, ache or 'heavy' feeling in the chest that can spread to the back or stomach and they may also feel light-headed.

The survey also showed that 35 per cent of women would not call 999 if they were experiencing unusual chest pains for fear of being embarrassed if it turned out not to be serious.

Dr Mike Knapton, BHF associate medical director, said: "Heart attack symptoms do affect people differently so it is vital that women familiarise themselves with them."

Approximately 110 women die every day from heart attacks and around 90,000 people every year, a third passing away before reaching hospital.

The BHF is using today (09.09.09) to raise awareness of the need to call 999 at the first sign of a heart attack.

Many steps can be taken to reduce the risk of heart attack including eating healthily, quitting smoking and exercising regularly in women's fitness wear.

According to the BHF, recent statistics suggest that seven out of ten adults do not do enough physical activity, which increases their risk of heart disease. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19352273-ADNFCR

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