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WELLNESS & FITNESS

What Is A Silent Heart Attack: Symptoms, Risk Factors And When To Seek Emergency Care

Date November 27, 2019

Author By Nina Mitchell

Have you ever heard about heart attacks? Many people had or will have a heart attack at some point in their lives. What does it feel like when you experience a heart attack? You may think about severe chest pain and even hitting aground. Well, it seems to be an unrealistic version of a real heart attack.

What Is A Silent Heart Attack: Symptoms, Risk Factors And When To Seek Emergency CareCHAjAMP / Shutterstock.com

What is a silent heart attack?

A heart attack may show no signs and symptoms, but it still can significantly increase the risk of developing heart failure. Moreover, silent heart attacks represent nearly 45% of all heart attacks according to the Journal of the American Heart Association, and they often go undetected. That’s why it is essential to know more about this condition and its risk factors.

What Is A Silent Heart Attack: Symptoms, Risk Factors And When To Seek Emergency CareSilent Heart Attack: Signs, Risk Factors And When To Visit A DoctorSilent Heart Attack: Signs, Risk Factors And When To Visit A DoctorSilent Heart Attack: Signs, Risk Factors And When To Visit A Doctor© Fabiosa Media

Most of silent heart attacks are diagnosed by routine electrocardiograms. People who had them usually don’t know about it as a silent heart attack shows no symptoms. Some patients recalled that they had weird sensations. In most cases, silent heart attacks are mistaken for muscle pain, nausea, or a strong case of the flu.

What Is A Silent Heart Attack: Symptoms, Risk Factors And When To Seek Emergency Carethe tokyo medical and dental universityMonster e / Shutterstock.com

Why do silent heart attacks happen?

There are some factors that increase your risk of developing heart attacks. They include the following:

  • smoking tobacco;
  • family history of heart conditions;
  • age;
  • diabetes;
  • high cholesterol levels;
  • high blood pressure;
  • obesity;
  • sedentary lifestyle.

What Is A Silent Heart Attack: Symptoms, Risk Factors And When To Seek Emergency CareSilent Heart Attack: Signs, Risk Factors And When To Visit A DoctorSilent Heart Attack: Signs, Risk Factors And When To Visit A DoctorSilent Heart Attack: Signs, Risk Factors And When To Visit A Doctor© Fabiosa Media

Having a silent heart attack seriously increases the risk of having another heart attack that could be more serious. Different forms of heart attacks may also raise your risk of severe complications, including heart failure.

When to visit your doctor

If you have factors that put you at risk of heart attack, consult with your doctor to evaluate your chances of developing this condition. Your doctor may prescribe specific treatment to reduce your likelihood of getting silent heart attacks.

What Is A Silent Heart Attack: Symptoms, Risk Factors And When To Seek Emergency CareSilent Heart Attack: Signs, Risk Factors And When To Visit A DoctorSilent Heart Attack: Signs, Risk Factors And When To Visit A DoctorSilent Heart Attack: Signs, Risk Factors And When To Visit A Doctor© Fabiosa Media

If you suspect that you have had a silent heart attack, seek emergency care. There is the only proven way to confirm this condition, and only a doctor can do it. The imaging tests, such as an echocardiogram and electrocardiogram, can show certain changes that mean you have had a heart attack.

Silent heart attack is a serious condition, so if you notice any changes in your body, consult with your doctor as soon as possible. Better safe than sorry!

READ ALSO: 6 Tips That May Help To Get Rid Of Sagging Skin On Arms And Legs

This article is purely for informational purposes. Do not self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for harm that may result from using the information stated in the article.

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