Neglecting or overlooking these symptoms, in any combination, may lead to more serious health issues down the road
Heart attacks, while are known to be most prevalent in older individuals, are also a silent killer amongst the youth of today. While we are taught the common symptoms of regular heart attacks, silent heart attacks can manifest differently, especially in the youth. Exhibiting more subtle signs than a regular heart attack, it is crucial for individuals to be able to recognise the signs of a silent heart attack and get emergency medical attention to accurately diagnose and treat the medical problem. While we discuss the five indicators of silent heart attacks, keep in mind that these could also be symptoms of a larger medical issue and should be checked out immediately.
Excessive sweating
Excessive sweating and perspiration which is unrelated to external environmental factors, or intense physical activity, can be a symptom of silent heart attacks. Stress on the heart could manifest sweating as the body’s response to it, especially when combined with the other symptoms on this list. Sweating is the body’s natural response to stress, and when the heart is under duress, it may trigger excessive sweating even in the absence of apparent triggers. Excessive perspiration during a silent heart attack can be more pronounced than regular sweating, and a comprehensive evaluation by medical professionals is necessary to determine a potential underlying cause.
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
Changes in the rhythm of the heart, like palpitations or irregular heartbeats could be a symptom of a silent heart attack, or other cardiac issues. Palpitations are sensations of rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats that an individual may be acutely aware of. While this symptom could have other causes like stress or excessive caffeine consumption, their presence can be worrying for people and may suggest an underlying heart problem. Monitoring and reporting any irregularities is paramount to an accurate and timely diagnosis, potentially including tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm and structure.
Unexplained fatigue
We tend to ignore and dismiss fatigue by attributing it to factors like lack of sleep, stress, or a hectic lifestyle. However, unrelenting fatigue, especially disproportionate to the level of physical activity, remains a noteworthy symptom. If the fatigue is persistent and unexplained, it can be a symptom of silent heart attacks. When the heart is compromised, its ability to pump blood effectively is diminished, and the body diverts its energy resources to a compromised cardiac system, leaving the patient in a state of extreme tiredness and exhaustion. It’s essential to recognise that this fatigue is not the usual tiredness and should prompt individuals, particularly the youth, to consider their overall cardiac health.
Jaw pain
While jaw pain is most commonly associated with dental issues, it may also be a cause of these silent heart attacks. The pain may not be isolated to the jaw but could radiate from the chest to the jaw, neck, or even the upper back. Jaw pain without any other underlying dental issues is a cause for concern. Particularly when combined with other symptoms on this list like unexplained fatigue and shortness of breath, it should not be ignored.
MBBS, MD, DM, FACC
Interventional Structural Cardiologist
Unexplained anxiety or feeling of impending doom
While mental health and cardiac issues are distinct from each other, it is always good to trust your gut instinct. While anxiety is a complex mental health issue, this particular manifestation during a cardiac event may be the body’s response to physiological stress. Some individuals may experience a heightened sense of anxiety or a feeling of impending doom during a silent heart attack. Psychological signs should not be dismissed in the name of mere nervousness, they can be a very valuable way of signalling a body’s distress. The heart’s compromised function can trigger a stress response in the body, and creates a sense of anxiety and impending doom for the individual.
Understanding the diverse ways silent heart attacks can manifest is pivotal for early detection. It’s important to emphasise that each individual may experience silent heart attack symptoms differently, and not everyone will exhibit the same signs. It is imperative to urge people to listen to their bodies and pay attention, and seek medical assistance when needed. We must also understand the nuance behind these symptoms, and how they make a person feel when combined. While these symptoms may not be a sign of cardiac issues, they must still be taken seriously and be examined by a medical professional. Dismissing and ignoring these symptoms in any permutation and combination could result in further issues later in life. Timely recognition and management of these symptoms will be helpful to live a fuller, healthier life in the long run.
