Introduction
A silent heart attack, also known as a silent myocardial infarction (SMI) is a heart attack that has no visible symptoms. During a heart attack, the heart muscle is damaged or dies due to a lack of oxygen-rich blood supply. With a silent heart attack, the damage can occur without any noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose without medical testing.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of a silent heart attack may be very subtle and can include:
• Mild chest pain or discomfort that may come and go
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• A feeling of indigestion or heartburn
• Sweating
• Unusual fatigue
Risk Factors
The risk factors for a silent heart attack are the same as a regular heart attack. These risk factors include:
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Family history of heart disease
• Age (over 45 for men and over 55 for women)
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of a silent heart attack is made with a series of tests including an electrocardiogram (ECG), an echocardiogram (echo), and a cardiac stress test. Treatment typically includes lifestyle changes, medications, and/or surgery. Lifestyle changes include quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating a heart-healthy diet, and managing stress. Medications may include aspirin, beta blockers, and cholesterol-lowering statins. Surgery may include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or angioplasty.
Conclusion
A silent heart attack is a heart attack that has no visible symptoms. The signs and symptoms of a silent heart attack may be very subtle and can include mild chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, or pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. The risk factors for a silent heart attack are the same as a regular heart attack. The diagnosis of a silent heart attack is made with a series of tests and treatment typically includes lifestyle changes, medications, and/or surgery.