5 signs of a silent heart attack you should be aware of!

A silent heart attack is so called because it doesn't show any classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack like unbearable chest pain, excessive sweating, locking of the jaws etc. Instead, it is like a brief period of discomfort after which everything returns to normal. This is why most of us fail to realise that we might have suffered a silent heart attack. But our body gives the cues, if you read them carefully probably you can save yourself from a full-fledged heart attack. Here Dr B S Sanjay, Consultant Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeon Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, lists some of the signs of silent heart attack that you should be awarel of.

Excessive fatigue: It is one thing if you feel exhausted after running a marathon and another thing after taking a flight of stairs, a short walk from your office to the parking lot or just walking around the house. This could be a sign of a silent heart attack. Since the blood flow to the heart is reduced during an attack it puts extra stress on the muscles that make you feel fatigue.

Pain in the arm or back: Chest pain is a very common sign of heart attack. However, in a silent heart attack, this symptom is not noticeable. But the body does send some pain signals from the surrounding area, like a radiating pain in the left arm or soreness on the back. These signs look so subtle that we fail to associate it with a heart attack.

Shortness of breath: Women take note, this happens due to regular stress. Not that this doesn’t happen with men but is a more common symptom in women. If you find yourself feeling breathless during your regular chores it is a red flag.

Heartburn: Angina, heartburn-like chest pain is common during a silent heart attack. So if you don't have bouts of acidity often and suddenly face one probably popping an antacid won't help.

Discomfort in the neck and throat: If you feel an unexplained discomfort bothering you, especially in your neck and throat area this could indicate a silent heart attack.

What you should do: If you have ever experienced any of these above-mentioned symptoms, get checked by a doctor on the status of your heart health.