Heart attacks, also called myocardial infarctions, are a leading cause of death and disability around the world.

But did you know that not all heart attacks are the same? Some heart attacks are “silent”, meaning they don’t cause the typical chest pain and other symptoms that we associate with heart attacks. Instead, silent heart attacks can be mistaken for less serious conditions, or even go unnoticed altogether.

In this article, we’ll explain what silent heart attacks are, how to recognize the signs, and what to do if you think you or someone else is having one.

We’ll also include images to help you understand what’s happening inside the body during a heart attack.

What is a silent heart attack?

A silent heart attack is just like a regular heart attack, except that it doesn’t cause the classic symptoms that we’ve all been taught to look out for.

Instead of chest pain or pressure, a silent heart attack may cause only mild discomfort in the chest, arms, shoulders, or neck. There may be no pain at all. Other symptoms of a silent heart attack can include:.

Shortness of breath
Sweating or clamminess
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue or weakness
Lightheadedness or fainting
Indigestion or stomach pain

These symptoms can come on suddenly, or they may develop gradually over several hours or even days.

In some cases, a silent heart attack may be detected only during a routine medical exam, when an electrocardiogram (ECG) shows abnormalities in the heart’s electrical activity.

Why are silent heart attacks dangerous?

While silent heart attacks may not cause the same level of pain and distress as traditional heart attacks, they are just as serious – and potentially deadly.

In fact, people who have had a silent heart attack are at a higher risk of having another one than those who have had a diagnosed heart attack. Silent heart attacks can also increase the risk of heart failure or sudden cardiac death.

One reason why silent heart attacks are so dangerous is that people may delay seeking medical help, or not seek help at all, because they don’t realize what’s happening.

By the time they do seek help, the damage to the heart muscle may have already occurred.

Who is at risk for a silent heart attack?

Anyone can have a silent heart attack, but they are more common in certain groups of people. These groups include:.

People over the age of 65
People with diabetes
People with high blood pressure
People with high cholesterol
People who smoke
People who are overweight or obese

If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to be especially vigilant about your heart health and to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms that could be related to a heart attack, even if they are mild or unusual.

What causes a silent heart attack?

The causes of silent heart attacks are the same as those of regular heart attacks. Most heart attacks are caused by a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle.

The blockage is usually caused by a buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits called plaque. When the plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form, which can completely block the artery and cut off blood flow to the heart. This is what causes the damage to the heart muscle.

The risk factors for plaque buildup and heart disease are the same as those for silent heart attacks. These include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

How is a silent heart attack diagnosed?

Diagnosing a silent heart attack can be challenging, because the symptoms may be vague and easy to overlook.

However, there are a few tests that can help your doctor determine whether you’ve had a heart attack, even if you didn’t realize it at the time. These tests include:.

Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of your heart. It can help detect abnormalities that may indicate a heart attack.
Blood tests: Your doctor can check for markers in your blood that indicate damage to the heart muscle.
Imaging tests: Tests such as an echocardiogram or a cardiac CT scan can show abnormalities in the heart muscle that may suggest a heart attack.

If you have risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may recommend regular testing to monitor your heart health, even if you haven’t experienced any symptoms of a heart attack.

What should I do if I think I’m having a silent heart attack?

If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, even if the symptoms are mild or unusual, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

Call 911 or your local emergency number and tell the operator that you think you’re having a heart attack. Don’t try to drive yourself to the hospital. Emergency responders can provide life-saving treatment on the way.

In the meantime, try to stay calm and rest. If you have nitroglycerin, a medication that helps widen the blood vessels and increase blood flow to the heart, take it as directed by your doctor.

Don’t take someone else’s nitroglycerin, as the dose may be different than yours.

Conclusion

Silent heart attacks are a serious and potentially deadly form of heart disease. While they may not cause the classic symptoms that we associate with heart attacks, they can cause other symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.

If you have risk factors for heart disease, it’s especially important to be aware of the signs of a silent heart attack and to seek medical attention right away if you experience any symptoms. With prompt treatment, it’s possible to prevent further damage to the heart and lower your risk of future heart problems.