A silent heart attack is a heart attack that is associated with no symptoms, few symptoms or symptoms that are usually not associated with a heart attack. In many cases, people do not even realize they are having a heart attack because of the lack of obvious signs, such as intense chest pain. The lack of classic symptoms results in people not getting treatment, which is necessary as a silent heart attack is as severe as any other type of heart attack.
Symptoms of Silent Heart Attack
Some of the symptoms overlap with a traditional heart attack, but these are additional signs of a silent heart attack.
1. Pain, squeezing, or discomfort in the chest
In some cases, people having heart attacks experience intense pain in their chest. These people can recognize this chest pain as a sign of a heart attack and get treatment immediately. However, pain or discomfort of mild intensity or a feeling of squeezing of the chest can indicate a silent heart attack.
2. Difficulty breathing
Not being able to breathe fully after a minor activity, such as climbing stairs, can signify that your heart is unable to pump blood effectively. Shortness of breath can be accompanied by chest pain. A silent heart attack is commonly associated with breathing difficulties, and women are more likely affected.
3. Nausea and cold sweats
Cold sweats, nausea, and vomiting may occur if you have flu, but they can also happen in case of a silent heart attack. Therefore, if you are experiencing such symptoms, and you feel that the reason behind them is not just flu but something serious, get a check-up immediately.
4. Other areas experiencing discomfort
When you have a heart attack, your heart is not the only organ affected. You may develop discomfort or pain in the following body parts:
- Back
- Jaw
- Neck
- Arms
- Stomach
It's complicated as pain in those areas is not an obvious sign of a heart attack, but contact your doctor if you feel discomfort in those parts of your body.
Treatment Of Silent Heart Attack
Treatment for silent heart attack includes taking medications that can improve blood flow to your heart, prevent blood clots, and decrease the risk of a recurrent heart attack. Bypass surgery and stents are also treatment options for silent heart attacks. Your doctor may ask you to make some lifestyle changes to keep yourself healthy, such as consuming healthy food, avoiding smoking and drinking, exercising, and taking care of high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
