A heart attack is when one of the heart arteries become blocked to the point where blood flow is weakened. The heart muscle becomes deprived of oxygen and nutrients, gets damaged and eventually dies as a result. During a heart attack, patients normally experience severe crushing chest pain, or a heaviness often described as an elephant sitting on your chest. This is usually accompanied by cold sweats and nausea. A silent heart attack slightly differs with different warning symptoms too.
A silent heart attack occurs when a person does not experience the normal full-blown symptoms most are aware of.
Some in fact may feel nothing at all, but more often than not, more subtle symptoms may be present which might be mistaken for a less critical condition.
The causes of a silent heart attack are the same as that of a normal heart attack.
Over years, the heart arteries narrow from deposits of cholesterol and plaque.
These deposits can suddenly rupture, bleed and block off the artery, which leads to heart muscle damage.
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Silent heart attacks are definitely more common than we think, added Health Plus.
It continued: “Recent studies show that almost half of all heart attacks were silent.
“People were just unaware of their critical condition. As a result of not seeking treatment, they had a higher risk of dying.
“Thus, you must be vigilant if you have any risk factors for heart attack – particularly if you have diabetes.
“Diabetics are more prone to having a silent heart attack as the poor circulation and high sugar in their blood damages their nerve cells such that they do not experience pain the same way as someone with no diabetes.
“They could step on a nail and not feel it.”
The most common heart attack signs include severe chest pain, having a radiating pain in your arm, and suddenly feeling very dizzy.
But you can lower your risk of a heart attack by making some small diet or lifestyle changes.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet will lower your chances of fatty deposits in your arteries.
If you think you, or someone you know, may be having a heart attack, it’s crucial that you dial 999 straight away.