Recognizing Silent Heart Attacks

Could you have a heart attack without even realizing it?

Heart attacks sometimes come with warning signs — chest tightness, pain in one or both arms, discomfort in the jaw or neck, shortness of breath, nausea and cold sweats. However, the American Heart Association reports nearly half occur silently. The patient may not even realize it happened until their doctors schedule an echocardiogram or cardiac MRI.

Fortunately, there are ways to get a handle on these heart attacks.

Know your risk factors. Risks for regular and silent heart attacks are the same. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity and family history increase your chances of experiencing a heart attack. If you're looking for a small and easy way to reduce your risks, the Harvard School of Public Health suggests eating at least three servings per week of blueberries or strawberries. Berries help women lower their heart attack risk by 32 percent.

Don't overlook minor-seeming symptoms. You don't have to wait for intense chest pain before seeking medical help. The American Heart Association states silent heart attack symptoms include indigestion, strained chest or upper back muscles or excessive fatigue. If you suspect you're having a heart attack, get help immediately.

Monitor your numbers. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that everyone older than age 20 be screened annually for blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index. LDL results higher than 130 mg/dL are considered high. This "bad cholesterol" causes plaque buildup in the walls of blood vessels, eventually resulting in the hardening of the arteries. That hardening increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, intestinal damage, blood clots and blood flow. Simple yearly screenings provide an in-depth look at your heart health and let you know if your heart is in danger.

Get proactive about preventing silent heart attacks, and speak with your primary care provider about your numbers.

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