Silent Heart Attack Symptoms

A silent heart attack is characterized by the absence of any distinguishing symptom of a heart attack, like chest pain. Chest pain can be termed as the most common symptom of a heart attack, but silent heart attacks are generally not accompanied by severe chest pain. Therefore, the most notable characteristic of this condition is that it can occur without your knowledge. This condition accounts for almost 25 to 30% of the total cases of heart attacks.

The medical term for a heart attack is myocardial infarction, which means death of the tissue of the heart muscles. A heart attack in general, is caused by the blockage of blood and oxygen supply to the heart. This is usually caused by a condition known as atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries that carry oxygenated blood to the heart. Due to the lack or reduced supply of oxygen, the heart tissues of that particular area can die causing significant damage to the heart. This usually causes severe chest pain and numbness in the left hand. However, in case of silent heart attacks, it may not produce such serious symptoms due to the death of the nerves around the heart.

Silent Heart Attack Signs

The symptoms are generally very mild, and usually, they go unnoticed and hence undiagnosed. Due to this, the condition is often known as a silent killer. Generally, mild discomfort in the chest like pressure or a squeezing in the middle of the chest, and shortness of breath may be present. These symptoms usually subside after taking some rest. Sleep disturbances and increased fatigue are other symptoms of this condition. Therefore, even these mild symptoms of a heart attack should be properly attended to.

It may also produce a symptom of prolonged abdominal pain in both men and women, while it can cause heartburn and clamminess of skin particularly in women. Some other common symptoms are dizziness and nausea, which can also lead to vomiting.

Risk Factors for Silent Heart Attacks

The people who fall under the risk zone for this condition are diabetic patients, individuals with heart diseases, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Besides these, factors like smoking and obesity can also increase its risk.

They are usually diagnosed with the help of a detailed study of the patient's medical history and ECG (electrocardiogram). Blood tests are also carried out to determine the level of cardiac enzymes. The treatment options are similar to the ones for heart attacks in general. Some commonly used drugs include aspirin and beta blockers.

Chest pain, which is generally regarded as the most common symptom of a heart attack, may not be present in the case of a silent heart attack. Therefore, even the mildest symptoms of a heart attack should be properly checked, to avoid any serious complications. In addition to prompt treatment, changes in the lifestyle are also essential to control the risk factors. Therefore, regulating and monitoring diabetes and hypertension and avoiding smoking, eating a healthy diet containing fresh vegetables and fruits, regular exercise and controlling the level of blood cholesterol can be effective in warding off the risk for this condition.