Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in France. Early recognition of MI and calling emergency number ‘15’ is critical for prompt management and a favorable outcome.

Give a recent and nationwide evaluation of the French population's knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors, MI symptoms and their emergency response.

This study used data from the 2019 Barometer of the French Public Health Agency. This is a random phone survey of adults aged 18 to 85 (participation rate in 2019=51%). In this article, the analyses focused on the 5074 people who answered the cardiovascular questions. Data were weighted to adjust to the French population structure. The proportion of knowledge of risk factors and MI symptoms and the intended behavior to MI were estimated. Logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with knowledge.

In 2019, 46% of the population feared a MI. The proportion of individuals who were aware that hypertension was a cardiovascular risk factor was 91%; 83% for cholesterol; and 72% for diabetes. Regarding tobacco, 33% of people believed that the risk of cardiovascular disease appeared only after consuming more than 10 cigarettes a day and 28% only after 20 years of smoking. Knowledge of MI symptoms was 94% for chest pain; 80% for shortness of breath; 68% for persistent fatigue; 49% for persistent back or shoulder pain; and 38% for digestive pain or trouble. Faced with MI, only 58% of the French population would call the number 15 firstly. Knowledge of MI and calling 15 was lower among people under 45 years of age, with less than a bachelor's degree, with no first aid training, and those who didn’t feel they were at personal risk for cardiovascular disease.

These findings suggest that the less specific MI symptoms and Call 15 remain unknown in certain population groups. This supports the continuation of MI prevention actions with targeted communication campaigns.