Heart and circulatory disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, causes a quarter of all deaths in the UK and is one of the largest causes of premature mortality in deprived areas.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Cardiovascular disease is one of the top three causes of premature death in Wolverhampton.
“The NHS is encouraging everybody to recognise the potential signs of a heart attack, so if you or somebody you’re with experiences any symptoms, you know how to access help as quickly as possible.
"The early signs of a heart attack can vary and may not always feel severe. The most common symptoms include squeezing across the chest and a feeling of unease. Sweating or feeling weak are also possible signs that someone is having a heart attack.
"Remember, it's never too early to call 999 and describe the symptoms – it could be nothing, but it could save a life, and the faster you act, the better the chance of a positive outcome for you or your loved ones."
For more information, please visit Heart attack.
People aged between 40 and 70 are also being encouraged to get a free NHS Health Check once every 5 years. These can help to prevent issues such as cardiovascular disease and enable GPs to detect, treat and manage conditions earlier.
To find out more about NHS Health Checks, please speak to your GP or visit NHS Health Check.
Research reveals that just 41% of those surveyed knew sweating was a sign of a heart attack, and only 27% of people knew feeling weak, lightheaded or a having a feeling of general unease were also symptoms. In addition, 46% did not recognise squeezing across the chest as a symptom of heart attacks.
In the 1960s more than 7 out of 10 heart attacks in the UK were fatal. Today at least seven out of 10 people survive.
