Don’t Ignore These Silent Signs of a Cardiac Emergency

You may have seen many drama shows in which the actor gets a heart attack they first clunch their heart, cry in pain, roll back their eyes and then finally fall onto the floor. 

But this is not exactly how a person always gets a heart attack in real-life. Not all heart problems arise with clear warnings. 

In reality, the pain is less dramatic and in many cases, the patients aren’t even able to recognize the signs. Not always does the patient experience severe chest pain and get to know what’s going on inside.

Silent heart attack incidences are more seen in patients who are 60+, obese, diabetic or have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

If you are not aware of earlier signs of a heart attack, it can make the situation worse. Here, we’ve compiled the silent signs of a cardiac emergency that would help you in an emergency.

What is a Silent Heart Attack?

Our heart requires oxygen-rich blood to function properly. But the buildup of plaque or any blockage in the arteries can cut off the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. It ultimately affects the functioning of the heart and leads to catastrophic consequences.

8 Signs of Silent Heart Attack

• Chest Discomfort

Many people experience tightness, pressure and pain in the chest due to blocked arteries. Women are more in danger of having a heart attack without chest discomfort than men.

Chest discomfort can be different for everyone. For some, it’s like a burning or a pinch, while others experience very severe pressure on their chest. The discomfort can last longer than a few minutes. Don’t ignore this sign and dial 108 to contact an emergency ambulance.

• Nausea
  

This symptom is more experienced by females than males. In addition to nausea, some also report indigestion, heartburn, and stomach pain before a cardiac emergency. Although these symptoms can also be an indication of other problems, if you feel that it is interfering with your heart health, you should immediately consult your doctor.

• Pain That Spreads to Other Parts
  

This is another sign many people experience. The pain usually begins in the chest and then radiates to other body parts. However, there are also some cases in which patients only report pain in the arms.

• Pain in Throat or Jaw
  

These signs are not usually of a heart attack. Most likely, it is caused by muscle pain. But if the pain rises from the chest and reaches the throat and jaw, these signs could be of a heart attack.

• Troubled Breathing
  

Do you feel difficulty breathing while just climbing the ladder? This might be because your heart is not able to pump oxygen-rich blood. You should immediately discuss this with your doctor.

Moreover, dizziness and lightheadedness could also be signs of a silent heart attack. If you’re experiencing such symptoms, you should immediately reach out to a doctor.

• Snoring & Sweating
  

While it's normal to snore at night, loud snoring that sounds like choking or gasping is not a good indication. This could be because of sleep apnea, a serious condition in which breathing repeatedly stops for brief moments and then starts again. This puts weight on the heart’s job.

Cold sweats during the winter without doing any tough work could also be a sign of a silent heart attack.

• Irregular Heart Beat
  

Although it's normal for the heart to run fast while racing or doing strenuous exercises, an irregular heartbeat for no obvious reason signals a cardiac emergency.

• Swelling in Lower Limbs
  

Swelling in legs, feet and ankles could be a sign that your heart is not performing efficiently. If you see such symptoms, seek help from a doctor.

Takeaway!

Being aware of the signs of a heart attack is very important to make informed decisions at the right time. Above, we’ve mentioned some common signs of a silent heart attack.

Apart from understanding these signs, remember the first way to prevent heart attack - periodic heart checkups. Also, keep your blood pressure and cholesterol level and blood sugar level in a normal range.

Also, Read: Is Heart Disease More Prevalent in Young People