By Medicover Hospitals / 28 March 2022
Home | Articles | Silent heart attack without any chest pain: Stay informed!
Heart attacks have been on a rise, especially since the last few years. It strikes when no one is expecting it, leading to heart-related complications or even death.
A person can suffer a silent heart attack without any chest pains and not even realize it. A silent heart attack, silent ischemia, or silent myocardial infarction (SMI), is often found in women more than men
Silent Heart Attack
We can say a heart attack to be silent if it exhibits no traditional symptoms, mild symptoms, or symptoms usually not associated with the heart problem.
Many people don't even come to know that they had a silent myocardial infarction (SMI) until their doctor notices heart damage.
Myocardial infarction (MI) occurs due to suspended blood flow to the heart causing heart muscle damage. The blood flow blockage induces a sensation of pain or pressure.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) gives rise to myocardial infarction (MI).
Risk Factors For Silent Heart Attacks
Silent Heart Attacks involve the same risk factors as common heart attacks. They are as follows -
- Age factor
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Hereditary heart disease
- High blood pressure
- No physical activity
- History of heart attack
- Tobacco use
- Stress factors
- Gender - More common in women
Consuming foods containing high cholesterol, salt, and unhealthy fats
Having a one-time silent myocardial infarction (SMI) increases the chances of having another one, which could turn out to be fatal.
Author
MD, DNB (Cardio)
Consultant Interventional Cardiologist
Location: Sangamner