Dr. Ahmed
A silent heart attack occurs in about one-fifth of the patients. It is more common in women and people with diabetes.
The absence of classical symptoms of myocardial infarction are absent. Unusual symptoms Of heart attack may be present and may be the only clue to the underlying serious condition.
It is important to recognize the unusual symptoms of a silent heart attack to prevent the patient from long-term complications.
Introduction:
A myocardial infarction that is more commonly known as a heart attack is one the most typical causes of death worldwide so much so that according to Wikipedia almost 15.9 million people suffered from an event of myocardial infarction in 2015.
Since myocardial infarction is very common and life-threatening, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms that are associated with heart attacks.
Compared to individuals with chest discomfort, those with unusual symptoms had a death rate within 30 days that was more than three times greater. [Ref]
Here we have a list of unusual signs that are linked to a silent heart attack and can easily be ignored if a person is unaware of them.
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What Do We Know About a Silent Heart Attack?
A heart attack that has very few classical symptoms of myocardial infarction such as chest pain or that has symptoms other than the classical symptoms of chest pain and pain radiating to the left arm, etc is called a silent heart attack.
The normal symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest discomfort and shortness of breath, may not be present in a silent heart attack.
Silent heart attack sufferers may mistakenly believe they have heartburn, the flu, or a strained chest muscle. But much like a regular heart attack, a silent heart attack causes a restriction in the blood supply to the heart and may even harm the heart muscle.
The same risk factors that apply to heart attacks with symptoms also apply to silent heart attacks. Risk elements consist of:
- Diabetes, age, and excess weight
- Familial heart disease history
- Elevated blood pressure
- Low activity levels and high cholesterol
- Heart attacks in the past
- Nicotine usage
1. Atypical Chest Pain:
Heart attacks can occasionally cause abrupt, severe pain, which makes it simple to identify and seek medical attention. What happens, though, when it’s not?
Actually, most heart attacks merely cause little chest pain or discomfort in the middle. You could also experience fullness, pressure, or squeezing. These symptoms often appear gradually and may disappear and return.
Due to the possibility that these symptoms are connected to anything less serious, such as heartburn, this can be tricky.
But you are the best judge of your body. You should visit a doctor for a checkup if you suspect something is wrong, or even go to the emergency department.
2. Breathing Problems:
It’s vitally important for your heart to pump blood efficiently in order for you to breathe. Blood is pumped by your heart so that it may reach your tissues and receive oxygen from your lungs.
You may experience breathlessness if your heart is unable to pump blood effectively (as is the situation with a heart attack).
Sometimes, unexplained weariness in women might be accompanied by shortness of breath. For instance, some women claim that depending on the task they were conducting, they might have unexpected shortness of breath and fatigue.
They can be fatigued and hard to breathe after going to the mailbox. For women, this may be a typical indicator of a heart attack.
3. Dizziness:
A commonly complained about symptom among women is dizziness or lightheadedness. Some women claim that if they try to get up or push themselves too much, they feel like they could pass out.
You shouldn’t disregard this emotion if you encounter it because it is most definitely not a typical feeling.
4. Abdominal Discomfort:
Before having a heart attack, many patients first experience minor indigestion and other digestive issues.
These symptoms may be mistaken for heartburn or another food-related condition because heart attacks frequently happen to elderly persons who also tend to have more indigestion issues.
Indigestion or heartburn can be an indication of other problems like a heart attack in case you typically do not get sick.
5. Sweating Profusely:
Sweating more than normal may be an early symptom of cardiac troubles, particularly if you aren’t exercising or being active.
Your body produces more perspiration in an effort to try to keep your body temperature down while your heart is working harder to pump blood through congested arteries. You should see a doctor if you have cold sweats or clammy skin.
Another typical sign of cardiac problems in women is sweating at night. Women could confuse this symptom for a menopause-related consequence.
Nevertheless, this condition can indicate a heart attack, therefore, beware if you experience extreme sweating.
6. Experiencing Discomfort In Other Parts Of The Body:
Other parts of the body may experience radiating discomfort and tightness. Most individuals believe that a heart attack feels like agony running down their left arm. Although such is a possibility, discomfort can also occur elsewhere, such as in the:
- Upper abdomen.
- The rear of the shoulder
- Throat
- Teeth
- Jaw
According to the American Heart Association, women frequently experience heart attacks that are particularly painful in the lower abdomen and lower part of the chest. [Ref]
It’s possible that the discomfort isn’t even entirely in the chest. It could feel like chest pressure and discomfort in various bodily regions. Another complaint mentioned by women more frequently than by men is upper back discomfort.
7. Tiredness:
Due to the additional strain, your heart must endure while trying to pump blood through a blocked spot, a heart attack can make you feel exhausted. If you frequently experience fatigue or exhaustion without any apparent cause, it may indicate a problem.
Women are more likely than males to have fatigue and shortness of breath, which can start months before a heart attack. Because of this, it’s critical to seek medical attention as soon as you notice any early indications of fatigue.
In women, fatigue may be a less obvious heart attack alarming symptom. Some women may even mistake heart attack symptoms for flu-like symptoms, according to the American Heart Association. [Ref]
