A silent heart attack occurs when an individual experiences a heart attack without the typical chest pain or clear accompanying signs. Its symptoms are often mild, brief, and easily confused with common health issues like indigestion or fatigue. However, similar to a conventional heart attack, a silent heart attack causes permanent damage to the heart muscle. Early detection of these signs can significantly improve treatment effectiveness and prevent avoidable complications.

Mild chest discomfort is a symptom of a silent heart attack, differing from the intense pain experienced during a typical heart attack. Patients may feel discomfort starting in the front of the chest, which then spreads to the neck and jaw area, making it difficult for the body to recognize the severity of the pain.

Individuals experiencing unexplained fatigue for several days should consult a doctor. This condition can stem from a weakened heart, which receives less blood while working harder to circulate blood throughout the body. As a result, patients require more energy to perform daily tasks.

Shortness of breath due to a silent heart attack makes previously easy activities challenging. A combination of chest pain and shortness of breath can occur during a silent heart attack. The heart becomes less efficient at supplying oxygen-rich blood to the body, causing breathlessness even at rest or when walking short distances.

Silent heart attack symptoms often cause aches in various body areas, including the jaw, neck, back, shoulders, arms, and upper abdomen. This discomfort feels like a mild ache or pressure, similar to muscle strain or a pulling sensation. Many people mistake these for muscle tension, indigestion, or dental problems. In many instances, the pain comes and goes, lasting only a few minutes. Some individuals experience cold sweats, dizziness, or shortness of breath without recognizing these as warning signs of a cardiovascular issue.

Some heart attack patients experience nausea, dizziness, and sweating during an attack. The body produces these symptoms in response to the heart's pumping problems, which are easily mistaken for the flu.

To protect heart health, everyone should adopt a healthy lifestyle. This includes a balanced diet rich in green vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, regular exercise (at least 150 minutes each week), quitting smoking, and getting adequate sleep (7-8 hours each night).

Le Nguyen (According to Times of India)