Guess what? Do you know that you might have experienced a heart attack before without your knowledge? Now, I have got you thinking, haven’t I? Actually, you probably have. This is called a silent heart attack. The reason you might not have recognized it when it happened is simply because the symptoms are as the name implies “silent”. As much as we are not planning to experience a silent heart attack, I really want to reveal some symptoms of a silent heart attack.
The symptoms of a silent heart attack are:
- Squeezing in the chest
- Indigestion
- Feelings of pressure and pains in the chest
- Pains in the arms, neck, back, jaw, shoulders, teeth and stomach pains
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Shortness of breath
Don’t be get confused about this. One or more of the above symptoms may be experienced when having a silent heart attack but you will hardly be able to connect it to a heart attack because they seem to be “normal” inconveniences we experience once in a while. Silent heart attacks are as dangerous and even more damaging to the heart than the recognized heart attacks. The best way to detect these attacks is through examination of one’s medical history, electrocardiography and the testing of blood for cardiac enzymes. In order words, only a doctor can truly let you know whether you have experienced this or not.
Silent heart attacks are caused by blockage in the coronary arteries by a build up plaque.
Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, family history of heart diseases, high cholesterol, age and obesity.
HOW TO AVOID A SILENT HEART ATTACK
- Be aware of your blood pressure and cholesterol level
- Exercise regularly to reduce the risk of heart attack
- Avoiding smoking
- Pay attention your body, and talk to a doctor
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