I'll explain who is most likely to experience these silent killer, but first let me cover the standard heart attack.
A heart attack is a very serious and very sudden condition and occurs when a section of the heart does not receive blood. This lack of blood flow can cause the heart tissue to die and scar. Heart attacks can range from mild to severe affecting areas both small and large areas of the heart. Almost always, heart attacks are life threatening and require immediate attention.
Silent heart attacks can happen to anyone, but people most likely to experience silent heart attacks are those that have had a prior heart attack, individuals who have diabetes, women, men and women over the age of 65 and those prone to strokes. Individuals taking medication on a regular basis may also experience a silent heart attack.
Symptoms of a Silent Heart Attack
The best way to identify this disease is through careful study of medical history, ECG (electrocardiogram; measures heart activity) and testing blood for cardiac enzymes. The most important treatment in silent heart attack is restoring the blood flow to the heart.
Restoring blood flow can be accomplished by dissolving clots found in the artery (thrombolysis) or by pushing the artery open using a balloon (angioplasty). Both thrombolysis and angioplasty may be used at the same time.
It is reported that as much as 25 percent of those having a heart attack and being diabetic never felt any of the common warning signs such as crushing chest pressure, weakness, arm pain or others.
Silent heart attacks and heart attacks in general can damage to nerves that affect the heart (autonomic neuropathy, or AN) could be the culprit.
Symptoms of a silent heart attack can include discomfort in your chest, arms or jaw that seem to go away after resting, shortness of breath and tiring easily. The most common complaint of visitors to the emergency room is Chest Pain which is by far the most symptom you're having a heart attack. Although Chest Pain takes 1st place as an indicator, second place would be given to extreme shortness of breath! Oddly enough, many heart attack victims reported a feeling of overwhelming doom just before an attack.
Identify a Silent Heart Attack
The best way to identify a silent heart attack is through careful study of medical history, ECG (electrocardiogram; measures heart activity) and testing blood for cardiac enzymes. The most important treatment in silent heart attack is restoring the blood flow to the heart.
Restoring blood flow can be accomplished by dissolving clots found in the artery (thrombolysis) or by pushing the artery open using a balloon (angioplasty). Both thrombolysis and angioplasty may be used at the same time.
Fast Treatment of a Heart Attack
One item that is mentioned repeatedly in case studies is aspirin. If you feel you have had a silent heart attack, you may want to take a non-acetaminophen aspirin as studies have shown doing so may help prevent heart damage that can occur from a silent heart attack.
Many people permanently damage their hearts because of pride! If you feel you may be having a heart attack, don't mess around! Seek medical attention immediately and whatever you do, do NOT drive yourself if possible. There is no shame in seeking medical attention for what you believe to be a heart condition. Do NOT be embarrassed if it's a false alarm, it's your life we're talking about!
This advice is a compilation of research studies and not to be taken as medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor before acting on any medical information. To American Heart Association.
source: silentheartattack.org
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