Knowledge of the general population about acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

Akutni infarkt miokarda (AIM), u populaciji poznat i kao srčani udar, predstavlja jedno od najčešćih i najsmrtonosnijih kardiovaskularnih stanja u svijetu, uključujući i Hrvatsku. Karakterizira ga iznenadni prekid dotoka krvi u srčani mišić, najčešće uslijed začepljenja koronarne arterije aterosklerotskim plakom, što dovodi do ishemije i nekroze miokarda. Glavni simptomi uključuju bol u prsima koja se širi u ruke, vrat, čeljust ili leđa, uz moguće popratne simptome poput mučnine, znojenja i kratkoće daha. Brza dijagnostika i liječenje važni su za smanjenje smrtnosti i komplikacija povezanih s AIM-om. Cilj završnog rada bio je ispitati razinu znanja i stavove stanovnika Republike Hrvatske o akutnom infarktu miokarda, njegovim simptomima, čimbenicima rizika te preventivnim mjerama. Provedeno je kvantitativno istraživanje putem strukturiranog anketnog upitnika, koji je ispunilo 279 ispitanika različitih dobnih skupina, spola i razine obrazovanja. Upitnik je obuhvaćao pitanja o prepoznavanju simptoma AIM-a, poznavanju čimbenika rizika, stavovima prema zdravim životnim navikama te ponašanju u slučaju sumnje na srčani udar. Podaci su analizirani statističkim metodama kako bi se dobio uvid u razinu informiranosti i svijesti građana o ovom ozbiljnom zdravstvenom problemu. Analiza podataka pokazala je da većina ispitanika posjeduje osnovno znanje o simptomima akutnog infarkta miokarda, pri čemu su najčešće prepoznati simptomi bol u prsima, znojenje i kratkoća daha. Međutim, uočene su i nejasnoće u prepoznavanju atipičnih simptoma, osobito kod žena, te u pravilnom reagiranju u hitnim situacijama. Većina ispitanika svjesna je važnosti zdravih životnih navika, poput redovite tjelesne aktivnosti i uravnotežene prehrane, ali postoji prostor za poboljšanje u primjeni tih navika u svakodnevnom životu. Dobiveni rezultati ukazuju na potrebu za kontinuiranom edukacijom i podizanjem svijesti stanovništva o akutnom infarktu miokarda, s posebnim naglaskom na prepoznavanje simptoma, pravilno reagiranje u hitnim slučajevima te usvajanje zdravih životnih navika kao najvažnijih preventivnih mjera. Implementacija ciljanih edukativnih programa i kampanja može doprinijeti smanjenju smrtnosti i poboljšanju kvalitete života osoba u riziku od kardiovaskularnih bolesti.Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), commonly known as a heart attack, is among the leading causes of mortality globally, including in Croatia. It is characterized by a sudden interruption of blood flow to the heart muscle, most often due to the blockage of a coronary artery by an atherosclerotic plaque, leading to ischemia and necrosis of the myocardium. The main symptoms include chest pain that spreads to the arms, neck, jaw or back, with possible accompanying symptoms such as nausea, sweating and shortness of breath. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to reduce mortality and complications associated with AMI. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the Croatian population regarding acute myocardial infarction, its symptoms, risk factors, and preventive measures. A quantitative study was conducted using a structured questionnaire completed by 279 participants of varying ages, genders, and educational backgrounds. The survey included questions on symptom recognition, awareness of risk factors, attitudes toward healthy lifestyle habits, and appropriate responses in suspected heart attack scenarios. Data were statistically analyzed to evaluate the level of public awareness and understanding of this critical health issue. The analysis revealed that most respondents possessed basic knowledge of AMI symptoms, with chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath being the most commonly recognized. However, significant gaps were noted in identifying atypical symptoms, particularly in women, and in understanding the correct actions to take during emergencies. While many participants acknowledged the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular physical activity and a balanced diet, there remains room for improvement in the practical adoption of these habits. The findings highlight the need for ongoing education and awareness campaigns to enhance the public's understanding of acute myocardial infarction. Emphasis should be placed on symptom recognition, appropriate emergency responses, and the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices as key preventive strategies. Implementing targeted educational programs can significantly contribute to reducing mortality rates and improving the quality of life for individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases