What Are The Four Silent Signs Of A Heart Attack
About 50% of heart attacks are misdiagnosed as less serious issues, which can raise your risk of passing away from coronary artery disease.
The heart needs oxygenated blood to function. This blood flow can be significantly or entirely reduced if plaque (made up of fat, cholesterol, and other chemicals) accumulates in the arteries that carry blood to the heart. Like any other heart attack, a silent heart attack can be just as harmful.
The more harm that is done to your heart, the longer it is without blood flow. Silent heart attacks can be highly damaging since they may go undetected. Additionally, they might be fatal if left untreated.
A heart attack happens when your coronary artery, which feeds blood to your heart, becomes partially or fully clogged. The heart does not receive enough oxygen or nutrients because of the poor blood supply.
Are Silent Heart Attacks Evident?
Not always. Possibly, such a heart attack happened months or years ago without your knowledge.
Shortness of breath and other classic signs of a heart attack symptoms is typically absent from a silent heart attack. Mild chest pain can be confused with heartburn, indigestion, and hyperacidity. Even throat discomfort is a sign of a heart attack.
What's The Sensation Of A Mini Heart Attack?
You must have heard of other people frequently experiencing what is referred to as a "mini heart attack" or mild heart attack. Although a "small" heart attack isn't defined in the medical vocabulary, it can be compared to a moderate or silent heart attack.
Mini Heart Attack
You experience a minor heart attack when your coronary artery has a partial blockage, which results in mild heart attack signs and symptoms.
A minor heart attack does not necessarily mean your heart is severely damaged and can function normally. The good news is that you can prepare by being aware of these four silent heart attack warning symptoms.
1. Chest Pain, Discomfort, Fullness, Or Pressure
Heart attacks occasionally cause sharp, severe pain, making it simple to identify and seek medical attention. What happens, though, when it's not?
Most heart attacks merely cause slight chest pain or discomfort in the middle. You might also experience fullness, pressure, or squeezing. These symptoms typically appear gradually and may disappear and return.
There is a possibility that these symptoms are related to something less serious, such as heartburn. But you are the best judge of your body. You should visit a doctor for a checkup if you suspect something is wrong or go to the emergency department.
2. Discomfort In Different Body Regions
You can truly feel the consequences of a heart attack throughout your entire body, not just in your heart. However, this may make it difficult to recognize a heart attack.
You might feel discomfort or pain in your:
- Arms (one or both of them)
- Back
- Neck
- Jaw
- Stomach
These signs can differ from one person to the next. For instance, some individuals claim that the pain they experience after a heart attack seems like a rope tied around them. Additionally, your back may experience a lot of pressure. If you believe you are displaying any of these less evident heart attack symptoms, don't disregard them.
3. Breathing Problems And Lightheadedness
It may be a clue that your heart isn't functioning normally if you feel like you've just raced a marathon after simply climbing a flight of stairs. Breathlessness is a standard indicator of a silent heart attack and can happen with or without chest discomfort.
Additionally, you can experience lightheadedness or dizziness, and you might even pass out. Although both men and women might experience this, women are likelier to feel short of breath.
Make sure to get checked out if you're experiencing difficulties with things that weren't previously challenging. The inability to make the bed or walk the dog can be a sneaky sign of a cardiac condition.
4. Cold Chills And Nausea
While having flu-like symptoms like nausea and vomiting might also indicate a silent heart attack.
You may have experienced the flu before, so you may know how it feels. However, pay attention to your intuition when it warns you that these symptoms could be signs of something more serious. These symptoms could be considerably more dangerous than the illness, stress, or just feeling under the weather, so don't dismiss them as such.
Understand The Warning Signs Of A Heart Attack And Pay Attention To Them.
While it's crucial to be aware of the silent symptoms of a heart attack, doing nothing about them won't help. If you encounter any or all of the symptoms, call an ambulance even if you're not sure you're suffering a heart attack. Even though these symptoms don't necessarily indicate a heart attack, staying on the safe side is better. The sooner you receive emergency care, the greater your chance of surviving a heart attack.
Getting your heart checked regularly and reducing your risk in other ways, such as maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, are the best ways to prevent/avoid heart attacks.