Silent heart attack: Watch out for hidden signs and symptoms that often go unnoticed

Hypertension: High blood pressure strains the heart, arteries, and other vital organs, increasing the susceptibility to silent heart attacks

You may think your heart is healthy, relentlessly doing what it is best at doing, but there is a silent, hidden danger that could strike at any time. This is the silent heart attack, and it can happen without any of the usual warning signs like chest pain or shortness of breath. The bad news is that even without showing any symptoms, a silent heart attack is as damaging and dangerous as common heart attack. That's why it's important to know who is more likely to have them and how to prevent them.

The heart relies on oxygen-rich blood for its optimal function. When the arteries carrying blood to the heart accumulate plaque — composed of fat, cholesterol, and other substance — the blood flow is restricted or completely blocked. Prolonged deprivation of blood flow intensifies the level of damage inflicted. If left untreated, these episodes can even be fatal.

Similar to any heart attack, a silent heart attack involves a blockage in blood flow to the heart and potential damage to the heart muscle. However, the challenging aspect lies in its resemblance to heartburn, flu, or even a strained chest muscle, causing confusion in its identification.

Understanding the culprits behind silent heart attacks:

High cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol may cause silent heart attacks. Excess cholesterol, specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or ‘bad’ cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup within arteries, restricting blood flow and heightening the risk of silent heart attacks.

Hypertension: High blood pressure strains the heart, arteries, and other vital organs, increasing the susceptibility to silent heart attacks. It exerts undue pressure on the cardiovascular system and may lead  to compromised heart health over time.

Obesity: Excess weight can cause undue stress on the heart, which leads to several health complications, including silent heart attacks. Obesity fuels the progression of heart-related issues by contributing to conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol imbalances.

Smoking: The harmful effects of smoking on health are clearly stated on the packaging. Smoking unquestionably harms heart health. The toxic substances in tobacco smoke harm blood vessels, increase the chances of plaque formation, and speed up the development of conditions that pave the way for silent heart attacks.

Age: With age, the risk of heart-related complications tends to increase, underscoring the importance of proactive heart health measures, especially as you grow older.

Family history of heart disease: Your family's medical history significantly impacts heart health. If there's a history of heart disease in your family, your risk of silent heart attacks increases. This underscores the importance of regular monitoring and proactive measures to care for your heart.

Taking care of your heart is about making healthy choices every day. By adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and including a balanced diet, staying active, managing stress, and avoiding harmful habits, you can build a strong heart and lower the chances of silent heart attacks.