“Silent Heart Attack” Warning: Symptoms Aren’t Always Classic, Can Pose Life-Threatening Risks

Kokcha News Agency: While heart attacks are commonly associated with symptoms such as chest tightness, sweating, shortness of breath, and pain radiating to the left arm, experts caution that these symptoms do not always occur. Cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Dr. Shriram Nene revealed that approximately 20% of heart attacks happen without any noticeable symptoms, making them “silent” but equally dangerous.

Dr. Nene explained, “A heart attack typically begins when one of the three main arteries supplying the heart or the left main coronary artery becomes blocked,” adding that this blockage restricts blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to tissue death. However, in silent heart attacks, the classic symptoms are absent. Instead of chest pain or shortness of breath, patients may experience general weakness, dizziness, or an unexplained sense of unease.

In such cases, patients may suddenly collapse, faint, or simply say they “feel unwell.” The underlying cause is the heart losing its rhythm and pumping ability, which can stop blood flow to the brain and lead to a life-threatening situation.

Symptoms of Silent Heart Attacks:
According to Dr. Nene, the following symptoms may occur during a silent heart attack:

• Mild discomfort in the upper back, neck, or jaw
• Unexplained fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sudden anxiety or a feeling that something bad is about to happen

These symptoms are often attributed to stress, lack of sleep, or digestive issues and can be easily overlooked. However, Dr. Nene emphasized that these signals could be the heart’s cry for help in some cases.

Young and Healthy Individuals Are Also at Risk:
Dr. Nene also challenged the common belief that “heart attacks only happen to older and unhealthy individuals,” stating that even young and fit people can experience heart problems due to genetic predispositions, vascular issues, or stress-related factors.

“A clean lifestyle does not provide absolute protection against heart attacks,” said Dr. Nene, stressing that recognizing silent symptoms can be life-saving.