A heart attack can occur without the classic symptoms and therefore go unnoticed, according to Prevention.
Many people only discover it too late, even though the body actually sends signals along the way.
Shortness of breath
Problems in the heart and circulatory system quickly affect breathing.
You may become short of breath during very light activity or even experience breathlessness at rest, without it necessarily feeling like a classic attack.
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Rapid heartbeat
When something is wrong, the heart tries to compensate by beating faster.
This may be experienced as palpitations or an irregular rhythm, where the heart feels as though it is skipping beats.
Sudden fatigue
The body prioritizes vital functions, which can lead to an overwhelming feeling of fatigue. Muscles may feel heavy, and it may become difficult to walk or stand.
Nausea or indigestion
As a precursor to a heart attack, the digestive system may receive less oxygen. This can lead to nausea, stomach cramps, or a sensation similar to heartburn.
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Pain in the body
Symptoms may appear as soreness in the chest, back, or arms. Some people also experience jaw pain or a sensation resembling the flu.
A general feeling of discomfort
A general sense of feeling unwell can be difficult to interpret.
If it occurs alongside a rapid heartbeat or extreme fatigue, it may be a sign of something more serious.
Symptoms without clear signs
A silent heart attack does not always present the classic symptoms that typically lead to emergency treatment. Therefore, it can occur without the person being aware of it.
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Can occur during sleep
A silent heart attack can happen while you are asleep. You may briefly wake up and misinterpret it as a bad dream or snoring.
Often discovered later
Many people only find out they have had a silent heart attack when they are examined after a subsequent attack, where the damage becomes visible in test results.
Same risk factors as other heart attacks
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, stress, substance use, and heredity increase the risk of silent heart attacks.
People with diabetes are particularly at risk
Long-term diabetes can damage the nerves that normally warn the body of a heart attack, making symptoms harder to detect.
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Women may have more difficulty recognizing symptoms
Women more often experience atypical symptoms such as abdominal pain or general discomfort, which can make it harder to identify a heart attack.
Lifestyle can reduce the risk
Healthy habits such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, reduced stress, sufficient sleep, and social connections can strengthen the heart and lower the risk.
Medical follow-up may be necessary
If heart problems run in the family, it may be relevant to speak with a doctor about medication and to have blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked.
Sources: Prevention.
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