Silent Heart Attacks: Symptoms You Might Miss
Heart attacks have been depicted in movies as dramatic occurrences that are marked by severe chest pain and sudden collapse. However heart attacks are not always dramatic occurrences. In some instances heart attacks can occur silently with mild symptoms that are attributed to fatigue heartburn or stress. Such heart attacks are known as silent heart attacks and are as deadly as other heart attacks. Patients at Ajanta Hospital IVF Centre which is one of the best hospitals in Lucknow receive the best preventive treatment and the best heart testing. As the best multispecialty hospital in Lucknow and a name to reckon with among the best hospitals in Lucknow the centre also offers 24-hour medical care in Lucknow where seconds count.
What is the definition of a silent heart attack?
Silent heart attack also known as silent myocardial infarction is the partial or complete blockage of the blood supply to the heart muscle. This leads to damage to the heart muscle. The symptoms of a silent heart attack are not the same as those of a normal heart attack since they are subtle and mild. In most cases a silent heart attack is diagnosed when a person tests normal for ECG tests or heart scans which takes weeks or months after the heart attack has occurred. Even though there are no warning signs the heart muscle damage is real and may lead to another heart attack.
Why Silent Heart Attacks are Dangerous.
Silent heart attacks are dangerous because they can occur without being noticed and therefore remain untreated. If the heart is left alone the heart muscle can be permanently damaged leading to a reduced ability to circulate blood effectively. This can lead to heart failure irregular heartbeats and heart attacks. The symptoms are not severe and many people tend to delay seeking medical attention allowing the condition to progress silently.
The symptoms of a silent heart attack may be confused with normal symptoms. The first symptom may be explained as mild chest discomfort that can be described as pressure tightness or a squeezing sensation rather than pain. The second symptom is unusual fatigue that occurs when patients feel tired after doing normal daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs. Shortness of breath can occur even at rest or with light physical activity sometimes without any chest discomfort. Pain can sometimes occur in unexpected places such as the neck jaw shoulder arm or upper back leading many patients to believe that it is a muscle strain or postural pain. Some patients may have indigestion symptoms such as nausea acidity bloating or burning sensations in the chest which are often mistaken for gastrointestinal symptoms. Cold chills dizziness or sudden onset of lightheadedness may potentially suggest a decrease in blood flow to the heart.
Why Women Must Be Extra Careful.
Women are more prone to silent heart attacks than men which may at times result in the absence of typical symptoms such as chest pain. Instead patients may suffer from symptoms such as unusual fatigue shortness of breath nausea dizziness or pain in the back or jaw. Hormonal changes stress and lifestyle are all contributing factors for women when it comes to heart disease.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
If you experience inexplicable fatigue shortness of breath chest discomfort lightheadedness or discomfort in the upper body region for a period of a few minutes you should seek immediate medical help. Early diagnosis by ECG blood tests and cardiac imaging can prevent any further damage to the heart.
Prevention: Protecting Your Heart
Eating a healthy diet that is low in trans fatty acids and processed foods staying fit by maintaining a healthy weight quitting smoking managing stress and getting enough sleep are all important. Getting regular health checks for blood pressure cholesterol and blood sugar can also help to prevent silent heart attacks by identifying risk factors early. Getting regular heart checks at a reputable health facility can also help to identify risk factors early.
Your heart requires attention
Silent heart attacks may not be audible but the effects can be calamitous. Listening to your body and being alert for the slightest symptoms and having regular health check-ups may be the difference between life and death.
Take care of your heart today. Fix an appointment for your preventive cardiac check-up and consultation today at Ajanta Hospital IVF Centre in Lucknow. Early detection can be life-saving.
Ajanta Hospital & IVF Centre
Phone: 0522-4032888, 7991606002, 7991606003
Email: [email protected]
Website: ajantahospital-ivfcentre.com
Visit us at: ABC Complex, 765, Kanpur - Lucknow Rd,
Sardari Khera, Sujanpura, Alambagh,
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 226005
