What You Should Know About Silent Heart Attack
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 Circulation 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 common 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 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 common 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.