Fatal condition currently not recognised by most people
Charity Launches Myocarditis Awareness Day
(Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom) Tuesday, 19th August 2024:- The majority of us wouldn’t seek medical help when experiencing symptoms of a condition from which one young person dies suddenly each week in the UK,* according to new research.
In a survey of 1001 consumers nationwide, the majority of respondents wouldn’t visit a medical professional (such as a doctor or nurse) if they experienced symptoms like swelling in their hands, legs, ankles or feet, palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat) abnormal fatigue, dizziness or shortness of breath – all of which are symptoms associated with an inflammation of the heart muscle, known as Myocarditis.
A staggering 82% of respondents wouldn’t seek help for flu-like symptoms of headache, body aches, joint pain or fever and only just over a quarter (27%) of people know what Myocarditis is.
The launch of the first Myocarditis Awareness Day in the UK – 17th August 2024 – aims to improve public awareness and understanding of Myocarditis and encourage people to seek help when they need it. Early detection and treatment can lower the risk of long-term complications or fatalities from the condition. With increased awareness, members of the public are better informed to monitor their own health and ask the correct questions of their GP if they are concerned.
“It’s so important to be aware of the symptoms and know that it’s ok to seek medical help if you’re experiencing them,” says Andy Jansons, Chair of the charity Myocarditis UK, whose son Alexander Jansons died from the condition at the age of 18. He adds, “We have come a long way since we began in 2013 where there was hardly any information available on Myocarditis, but the introduction of a National Awareness Day is an incredible step forward in raising recognition. Alexander would have appreciated that the awareness day date is also the same date his birthday would have been.”
Making Myocarditis a household name and helping the public, general medical practitioners, A&E centres and medical personal to know and understand what to look out for is a key step in identifying, diagnosing, and treating Myocarditis effectively.
The first Myocarditis Awareness Day recently took place on 17th August 2024.
For more information about protecting your heart health or supporting those affected by Myocarditis, visit Myocarditis Charity UK | Cause, Prevention and Cure (myocarditisuk.com) or follow us on Facebook .
