A silent heart attack is a heart attack that occurs without any clear symptoms or sometimes without any symptoms at all. Silent heart attacks mean one is having a heart attack without noticing it, often being recognised only days, months or even years following its presentation. If a person experiences any of these major signs it could indicate a silent heart attack.
The four signs you may be at risk of a silent heart attack include:
A discomfort in the centre of the chest that lasts several minutes or goes away and comes back. It can feel like an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, or pain
Discomfort in other upper-body areas, such as one or both arms, the back, the neck, the jaw, or the stomach
Shortness of breath before or during chest discomfort
Breaking out in a cold sweat or feeling nauseated or lightheaded.
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As circulation is affected during a heart attack, part of the heart muscle dies, said CardioSecure.
The health site continued: “Silent heart attacks occur more commonly in men than in women; however, silent heart attacks are more often fatal for women.
“In addition, following a silent heart attack, the risk of dying due to heart disease is three times higher than for someone with a normal ECG, and the overall risk of death rises to 34 percent.”
How to check
Harvard Medical School said: “A silent heart attack is usually detected from an electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiogram, which can highlight heart muscle damage.
“Another method is a blood test for the molecular footprints of troponin T, a protein released by injured heart cells.
“That test is often used in emergency departments for patients with heart attack symptoms.”
If you are suffering with any of the warning signs of a silent heart attack it is important to be extra cautious of any other signs and contact help immediately.
The most common heart attack symptoms include severe chest pain, having a radiating pain in your arm, and suddenly feeling very dizzy.
But you can lower your risk of a heart attack by making some small diet or lifestyle changes.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet will lower your chances of fatty deposits in your arteries.
If you think you, or someone you know, may be having a heart attack, it’s crucial that you dial 999 straight away.
Published at Tue, 22 Dec 2020 22:51:17 +0000
Heart attack: Four signs to look out for warning you may be having a silent heart attack
