Silent Heart Attack: Warning Signs and Treatment
A
heart attack is mostly imagined as a dramatic event. Sharp pains in the
chest, shortness of breath, sometimes even falling to the ground.
However, that is not always the case. According to a recent study published in a journal,
an astounding 45% of heart attacks are defined as silent ones, or
silent myocardial infarctions (SMIs). That means that the symptoms of
these heart attacks are so mild that they’re often dismissed as
something else. Experiencing a heart attack without realizing it and
getting the appropriate treatment is, of course, very dangerous. Here’s
how you can recognize a silent heart attack and react accordingly.
What Is a Silent Heart Attack?
Both silent and traditional
heart attacks occur when the heart does not get a sufficient supply of
oxygen-rich blood. The reason that might happen is usually ischemic
heart disease, which is a condition where a waxy substance called plaque
builds up inside the coronary arteries. The plaque creates the
blockage, which prevents the blood from reaching the heart muscle. Blood
flow must be restored quickly, otherwise, that section of the heart
begins to die.
Although the symptoms of a silent heart attack are not severe and can often go unnoticed, it is just as serious as a traditional heart attack!
Although the symptoms of a silent heart attack are not severe and can often go unnoticed, it is just as serious as a traditional heart attack!
What Are the Symptoms?
The
sensations you want to look out for include varying degrees of fatigue,
heartburn, shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest, back, or
jaw. The symptoms are similar to those of a traditional heart attack,
but lack the extreme pressure on the chest, stabbing pain in the arm,
neck and/or jaw, sweating, and dizziness. They can be so mild and brief
that they are often confused with ordinary irritations, like
indigestion, heartburn or even just the result of a challenging
workout.
The
risk factors for both kinds of heart attacks are pretty much the same –
a family history of heart attacks, older age, smoking, insufficient
exercise, obesity, and conditions like high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, and diabetes. It is also worth noting that the study has
concluded that both classic and silent heart attacks are more common in
men than women. Despite that, women have higher mortality rates due to
this medical condition.
So How Can You Recognize a Silent Heart Attack?
The
lasting effect of a silent heart attack will show up on an
electrocardiogram (EKG) – which will reveal the damage caused to the
heart.
If
you have a suspicion concerning an SMI, it is best to consult your
doctor about undergoing such a screening. Do not brush those symptoms
aside. Many people who experience a silent heart attack don’t seek
immediate care because of a lack of awareness, which combined with the
scarring damage SMI causes the heart, increases the risk of a second,
potentially more harmful heart attack.
A
Silent heart attack is a way the body uses to signal you there is an
underlying medical condition that needs your attention, so don't ignore
your body's call for help and seek diagnosis and treatment.