The silent heart attack
JUST LIKE the name implies, a silent heart attack is a heart attack that has no symptoms, minimal symptoms, or unrecognised symptoms. However, it is like any other heart attack where blood flow to a section of the heart is temporarily blocked and can cause scarring and damage to the heart muscle.
SYMPTOMS
1. Chest pain 2. Extreme or unusual fatigue 3. Weakness
4. Shortness of breath 5. Sweating
6. Upper body pain
7. Sleep disturbances 8. Stomach problems
CAUSES IN WOMEN
A silent heart attack happens when the flow of blood is blocked in the coronary arteries by a build-up of plaque. Studies differ, but some suggest that silent heart attacks are more common in women than in men. Women and their physicians may also be more likely to chalk up symptoms of a silent heart attack to anxiety and dismiss them. However, the risk factors for a silent heart attack are the same as those for a recognised heart attack and include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, and age.
A silent heart attack can be just as dangerous as its more obvious counterpart as the event often leaves scarring and damage to the heart, and it puts the person at greater risk of other heart problems. And because the person didn’t know to seek treatment, blood flow to the heart might not have been restored early on, and no medications were administered, so the impact could potentially be greater.
WHAT TO DO DURING AN ATTACK
The ‘silent’ in a silent heart attack is the complicating factor. Often, women don’t realise they’re experiencing a medical emergency. If you do notice symptoms of a silent heart attack, try to stay calm and call for help immediately. When you get to the hospital, make it clear that you think you may be having a heart attack and not an anxiety attack.
Advocate for yourself or, if you can, take along someone who will advocate for you.
HOW TO PREVENT IT
Know your risk factors, namely, be aware of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking to decrease the risk of a heart attack.
Above all, to listen to your body!