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Heart Attacks: Western vs. Eastern Cultures
Western Cultures (eg UK, US, Europe)
Attitude
Heart Attacks:
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Seen as a medical emergency with clear symptoms: crushing chest pain, left arm pain.
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People are quick to seek help.
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Panic Attacks:
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Described emotionally - fear of losing control, derealization, catastrophic thoughts.
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Open to therapy—mental health stigma is lower.
Eastern Culture (eg Japan, China)
Attitude
Heart Attacks:
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Symptoms often described as stomach pain or discomfort due to modesty and stigma.
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Less urgency in seeking help to avoid causing alarm or burdening others.
Panic Attacks:
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​Described with physical symptoms: dizziness, numbness, tightness - avoiding emotional terms due to stigma.
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Often interpreted as somatic issues (like “heart wind” in China).
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Often linked to social anxiety: fear of embarrassing or offending others (like taijin kyofusho in Japan).
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