5 Things to Know About Silent Heart Attacks and How to Prevent One

February is heart health month, so there is no better time to learn about the symptoms of silent heart attacks, and how you can help prevent one.

Here are 5 things to know about silent heart attacks, and how you can help prevent one.

What is a silent heart attack?

A silent heart attack is a type of heart attack, or myocardial infarction, that has no symptoms, light symptoms, or atypical symptoms. It’s the type of heart attack where you might not know until days, months, or years later that you had it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 805,000 Americans experience a heart attack each year. While it’s difficult to pinpoint how many of those heart attacks are silent, one study found that 45 percent of heart attacks may fit the description of silent.

What are the signs of a silent heart attack?

Symptoms of a silent heart attack can range from nothing, meaning you have no idea you’re having a heart attack, to very faint body pain or discomfort that might not set off any alarm bells. According to the American Heart Association, atypical symptoms of a silent heart attack may include:

• Overwhelming fatigue
• Feeling of a strained muscle in the chest, jaw, arms or back
• Indigestion
• Feeling like you’re getting sick

Non-silent or typical heart attacks usually manifest with symptoms we’re all familiar with: overwhelming chest pain and pressure, pain or discomfort in arms, neck, jaw, or back, sweating, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, cold, clammy skin and shortness of breath.

Though a silent heart attack has non-specific or mild symptoms, it can be just as harmful as a heart attack with typical symptoms. A silent heart attack can leave scarring and damage to the heart. Since most people with a silent heart attack don’t seek immediate medical care, they may not get the appropriate medication or interventions and as a result may be at higher risk for getting a second and potentially more dangerousl heart attack.

If you’re experiencing any signs of a heart attack, or your body is telling you something just isn’t right, call 911 or go to your nearest ER.

Risk Factors for Heart Attacks

Though studies differ, some suggest that silent heart attacks are more common in women, in part because women are more likely to experience atypical symptoms during a heart attack. Here are some known risk factors, for a heart attack.

• Age: Men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 55 have a greater risk of having a heart event. Family history: If a close family member had a heart attack or heart disease, you are at an increased likelihood of having heart disease.
• High cholesterol: When too much cholesterol coats your arteries, known as atherosclerosis, it makes it difficult for blood to travel to the heart.
• High blood pressure: Increased blood pressure causes your arteries to become less elastic, therefore making it difficult for blood to get through.
• Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes increases your likelihood of developing atherosclerosis.
• Smoking: People who smoke are 2-4 times more likely to experience heart disease Inactivity: Lack of exercise can increase your risk of a heart attack.
• Obesity: Being overweight can increase your chances of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes—all contributing factors to heart disease. Alcohol use: While some studies have suggested that moderate drinking might lower your risk of heart disease, excessive drinking can increase your risk.
• Poor eating habits: Processed foods, and foods high in salt and sugar contribute to poor heart health. Diets low in vegetables and fruit also contribute to obesity and heart disease.

How do I prevent a heart attack?

There are many steps you can take to reduce your likelihood of having a heart attack. These lifestyle changes include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing blood pressure
• Controlling cholesterol levels
• Managing blood sugar levels if you have diabetes
• Maintaining healthy triglyceride levels
• Staying active
• Getting plenty of rest
• Reducing stress
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Quitting smoking
• Having regular preventative screenings and appointments

Heart Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

If you have been neglecting or postponing preventative health screenings, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is time to begin rescheduling these tests. The progression of heart disease can be slowed if caught early enough. Diagnostic testing may let you know that you’re at increased risk for heart attack, allowing you time to make necessary lifestyle changes.

Likewise, if you’ve developed high blood pressure, or high cholesterol during the past stressful year, you need to begin treatment as soon as possible to reduce your risk of a heart attack. Medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol are known to help prevent heart attacks. If you’re prescribed medication for high blood pressure or high cholesterol, be sure to check RxSaver for up to 80% savings.

Finally, be sure to ask your health care provider for any additional guidance on how to keep your heart healthy, during your annual physical, or during preventative screening tests.