Weekend heart victims ignore warning signs

Thousands of people who suffer dangerous heart attack symptoms on Saturdays and Sundays are ignoring the warning signs until the weekend is over.

This means hospital heart admissions peak on Mondays, with more than one in four patients missing out on vital early intervention, according to a National Heart Foundation study of 45,000 patients.

It's best for people to receive treatment within an hour, but many are delaying treatment until the weekend is over, says foundation health director Rachelle Foreman.

These people, including heart attack victims, are more likely to make their own way to hospital than call an ambulance, according to the foundation's review of patients treated at 11 emergency departments from 2008 to 2012.

Many wait more than 24-hours after their first symptom before seeking help.

"Early diagnosis and treatment of any heart problem, especially a heart attack, is vital," says Ms Foreman.

"People who are treated within an hour of their first symptom have the greatest chance of not only surviving their heart attack, but continuing to enjoy a good quality of life.

"With Heart Week approaching, the Heart Foundation is urging all Australians to learn the warning signs of a heart attack - they're not always sudden or severe."

Symptoms may include pain, pressure, heaviness or tightness in the upper body in combination with nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness or a cold sweat.

Every minute counts and people should phone triple zero immediately if they have these symptoms.