Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores five silent heart attack signs you shouldn’t ignore.
When we think of a heart attack, we usually imagine intense chest pain and a rush to the hospital.
But not all heart attacks are that obvious.
“A silent heart attack is a heart attack that occurs with mild or no noticeable symptoms,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“According to Medical News Today, a person who has had a silent heart attack has an estimated 35% higher risk of heart failure than a person without a history of heart attacks. People in their early 50s or younger have an even greater risk.”
To help protect your heart and health, here are five silent heart attack signs you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Unexplained Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired, even after a good night’s sleep, might seem like a regular part of a busy life, but it could be a warning sign of a silent heart attack, especially in women. This happens when a blockage in the heart limits its ability to pump blood effectively, forcing your body to redirect blood flow to vital organs and leaving you feeling persistently drained.
Watch for fatigue that doesn’t improve with sleep, trouble completing everyday tasks such as climbing stairs or shopping, and a sudden drop in energy levels.
2. Mild Discomfort in the Chest or Upper Body
While sharp chest pain is a well-known sign of a classic heart attack, silent heart attacks often show up as milder discomfort. This could feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or even indigestion. These subtle symptoms are caused by a partial blockage in the coronary arteries, which reduces blood flow to the heart and leads to discomfort rather than intense pain.
Pay attention to signs such as tightness in the chest, back, shoulders, or arms, discomfort that comes and goes, or a persistent heartburn-like sensation that doesn’t improve with antacids—these could all point to a silent heart attack.
3. Shortness of Breath
Are you struggling to catch your breath during activities that used to feel easy? Shortness of breath can be a warning sign of a silent heart attack, especially if there’s no apparent cause, like exercise or a respiratory issue. This happens when your heart isn’t pumping enough oxygen-rich blood to the body, leaving you feeling breathless—even during light activities or at rest.
Be aware of breathlessness that worsens over time, trouble breathing while lying down, or a tight feeling in the chest or throat.
4. Nausea, Sweating, or Dizziness
Symptoms such as nausea, cold sweats, and dizziness are often mistaken for a stomach bug, anxiety, or dehydration, but they can also be signs of a silent heart attack. A heart attack can activate the autonomic nervous system, causing nausea and sweating, while reduced blood flow to the brain can lead to dizziness or feeling lightheaded.
Be on the lookout for nausea unrelated to food or illness, cold sweats that happen without physical effort, and feeling faint, especially when standing up.
5. Jaw, Neck, or Arm Pain
Pain in areas including the jaw, neck, or left arm is a common heart attack symptom, but it’s often overlooked when it’s mild or comes and goes. This happens because nerve pathways can cause pain to radiate from the heart to other parts of the body, a phenomenon known as referred pain, making it harder to pinpoint the source.
Watch for pain that spreads to the left arm or shoulder, a dull ache or pressure in the jaw or neck, or discomfort that worsens with activity but eases with rest.
Why Silent Heart Attacks Are Dangerous
Silent heart attacks are often dismissed, as the symptoms are subtle or mistaken for less severe conditions. Unfortunately, ignoring these signs can lead to severe complications, including:
- Heart damage: Undiagnosed heart attacks can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle.
- Future risk: Silent heart attacks significantly increase the risk of having a more severe heart attack later.
- Untreated heart disease: Silent heart attacks are often a sign of underlying coronary artery disease, which requires medical management.
What To Do If You Notice These Signs
If you notice new or persistent symptoms, get medical help immediately. Silent heart attack signs often appear during rest or light activity, so don’t wait for severe pain. Call emergency services, take aspirin if your doctor approves, and stay calm and ensure you rest. Immediate action can save your life.
How to Prevent Heart Attacks
The best way to prevent a heart attack—silent or otherwise—is to take proactive steps toward a heart-healthy lifestyle. These include:
- Regular check-ups: Get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels checked annually.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Eat heart-healthy foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- Quit smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to heart problems, so practice stress-reducing activities such as meditation or yoga.
“Silent heart attacks are serious, but knowing the signs can save lives. Pay attention to your heart, and act fast if you notice symptoms. Your heart works hard for you—take care of it, and seek medical help if needed. It could make all the difference,” concludes Hewlett.