What to Know About Silent Heart Attacks!

A heart attack does not always have obvious symptoms, such as pain in your chest, shortness of breath and cold sweats. In fact, a heart attack can actually happen without a person knowing it. This condition is known as a ‘silent heart attack’, medically known as ‘silent ischemia’, occurring due to the shortage of oxygen supply to the heart muscle. The causes of a silent heart attack are similar to that of a heart attack. 

They include- 

1. Conditions like: 
   • Obesity or excess weight 
   • Diabetes 
   • High Blood pressure 
   • High cholesterol 
   • Heart Diseases 
2. Lack of exercise 
3. Age, usually above 65 
4. Consumption of tobacco or smoking 
5. High consumption of alcohol 

A silent cardiac arrest makes one more vulnerable to another heart attack that could be fatal. Diagnosis: The only method to diagnose if you had a silent heart attack is through imaging tests, such as echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, Holter Monitoring or others. These tests can show certain changes which might be indicative of a heart attack. An analysis of one’s overall health and the symptoms can aid in deciding whether few more tests are required. 

How would you prevent a silent heart attack? 
1.    Get your cholesterol and blood pressure count tested regularly. 
2.    Refrain from smoking. 
3.    Get your VO2 max checked regularly. 
4.    Live a healthy lifestyle: Refrain from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption; exercise daily, eat healthy. 
5.    Control high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes 
6.    Be aware of your body and call on a doctor if you feel there’s anything which is bothering you. 

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!