A heart attack occurs when blood supply is cut off to the heart muscle, damaging the heart tissue. Also called a myocardial infarction, it is usually due to plaque buildup that narrows the coronary arteries and eventually forms a clot. Most heart attack victims suffer significant pain or pressure in the chest area, but some individuals have a heart attack without noticeable pain. While this seems to be preferable, individuals who have a heart attack without pain as a warning sign may be less likely to seek emergency medical attention.
Silent Heart Attacks
A CNN article titled 'Silent Heart Attacks More Common than Thought" reports that almost 200,000 Americans have silent heart attacks each year. These attacks cause permanent heart damage with little or no warning signs; they are found only by diagnostic tests weeks or years later. When a silent heart attack is found, the treatment is generally the same as that indicated for a typical heart attack, explains CNN.
Other Symptoms
Some pain-free heart attacks do cause significant symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, clammy skin, restlessness, dizziness, fainting and difficulty breathing. The heart may pound erratically, forcefully or rapidly. These heart attacks may be preceded by several weeks of unusual tiredness. Anyone suffering these symptoms but no pain should seek an emergency medical evaluation.
High-Risk Individuals
Medline Plus, a website maintained by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, explains that certain groups are at increased risk of having a heart attack without pain. These groups include people with diabetes, women and people over age 64. At-risk individuals should carefully follow their physician's advice regarding cardiovascular care and promptly seek treatment for any myocardial infarction warning signs.
Effects
Silent heart attacks can have the same devastating effects as a typical heart attack. Death, a life-threatening heart rhythm abnormality or heart failure may result from a myocardial infarction. Those who survive a silent heart attack and are unaware they have heart damage are at risk of a second, fatal heart attack. For these reasons, regular medical examinations are important for all individuals.
Prevention
To prevent a silent heart attack, individuals should avoid cigarette smoke, have a normal weight for their height and exercise regularly. Trans fat, excessive animal fat and excessive alcohol should be avoided. Fruits, vegetables, beans, olive oil and whole grains are generally considered heart-healthy food choices. A physician may make specific medication recommendations, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood pressure reduction medications or aspirin therapy.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Heart Attack: Symptoms
- CNNHealth.com: 'Silent' Heart Attacks More Comman Than Thought
- MedlinePlus: Heart Attack
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing;" Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
