Act fast and you may save a life

3:10pm Monday 1st December 2008

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A man who suffered a heart attack at the age of just 36 is backing a campaign urging people to be aware of the symptoms.

Brian Cleaver needed urgent hospital treatment after collapsing at work.

Medics installed a stent into Mr Cleaver’s heart to clear a blockage in one of his arteries.

A second had to be put in a few weeks later when another artery became clogged.

Since his ordeal more than a year ago, Mr Cleaver has given up smoking, lost weight and eats more healthily.

He said: “I worked in building and construction and had always assumed I was okay.

“I was a smoker and I drank a little, not to excess. When I had the attack it was like the Third World War had gone off in my chest. I just collapsed.

“The pain was horrendous but I was taken to hospital quickly and got treatment immediately. Every second counts and it was thanks to that I have recovered so well.

“I was worried because I was due to fly off to get married not long after my attack but the support I was given meant that 12 weeks later I was able to go.”

Mr Cleaver, of London Road, Hailsham, married Tracey, 37, in Turkey on September 28 last year and is now back working in outdoor advertising.

He said: “It was a real wake up call for me and I owe it to myself, my wife and the doctors to keep fit and well.

“Only last week I had a scare and thought I was having another heart attack.

“I had a pain in my arm, gravitating towards my jaw.

“I was worried about calling 999 and looking stupid but at the end of the day you look even more stupid if it turns out to be a heart attack.

“The ambulance crew were fantastic and stabilised me and took me to hospital just to make sure. I didn’t have a heart attack this time but I’m so glad I called. Even though it was a false alarm the ambulance team were pleased I had called them.

“From the minute they arrived I felt reassured. Just call if you have the symptoms because you never know.”

The campaign is being launched by the Sussex Heart Network, the British Heart Foundation and the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

Consultant paramedic Andy Newton said: “Starting treatment as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms is vital.

“This is why we need the public to be more aware of what these are so that they don’t delay in calling us if they think they, or a relative or friend, is having a heart attack. Early action saves lives.”

Symptoms to look out for

A pain in the centre of the chest which may be with any of these symptoms:

• heavy pressure, tightness, crushing pain or discomfort
• may spread to shoulders, neck, jaw or arms
• there might be sweating, sickness, difficulty breathing or feeling faint
• symptoms may come and go
• they could last more than 15 minutes and stop, or get less then return.
• if there is a short stabbing pain in the leftside of the chest it’s usually not heart pain
• Have you any tips for a healthy heart? Tell us below.