Why you should take silent heart attacks seriously
This World Heart Day, Institut Jantung Negara’s Dr Lee Wei Liang sheds light on this phenomenon, their dangers, and ways to reduce your risk.
In conjunction with World Heart Day today, FMT Lifestyle spoke with Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) cardiologist Dr Lee Wei Liang to learn more about silent heart attacks.
“A silent heart attack usually doesn’t come with the usual symptom of chest discomfort. All the symptoms are so mild that people disregard it,” said Lee, 41.
According to Lee, the signs of a silent heart attack – based on his professional experience – are usually:
- sensation of heartburn or indigestion;
- breathlessness and fatigue;
- pain in areas other than the chest – for example, in the jaw, neck, shoulder or upper arm;
- excessive sweating;
- giddiness.
The problem is that these signs could easily be mistaken for something else. For instance, could too much spicy food be the cause of the indigestion you’re experiencing?
Lee’s advice is simple: “If you don’t feel your usual self, you should seek medical attention. Only through an investigation can we actually diagnose or confirm a heart attack.”
Most importantly, never take the threat of a silent heart attack lightly. “I would say they are at least as dangerous as a typical heart attack and, in some cases, might even be more detrimental,” he said.
He explained that people who are suffering from a silent heart attack often disregard the symptoms and seek medical treatment later, when they develop complications.
“For example, when the heart fails, they will feel breathless or experience leg oedema. Only then do they seek medical attention – by which time, they would have lost the golden opportunity for early intervention.”
Just like a typical heart attack, the risk factors for a silent heart attack can be classified into two non-modifiable and modifiable.
Non-modifiable factors, Lee explained, include age, gender and family history. He added that a silent heart attack is more common among older adults and women.
Meanwhile, modifiable factors are aspects you can control, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, tobacco smoking, and stress.
While the thought of a silent heart attack may sound scary, there are steps you can take to mitigate such an occurrence. “Increase your own awareness and try to identify your risk factors; then work on them and try to control them,” he advised.
“Also, go for regular health screenings. It’s very important, as it allows us to pick up risk factors at an early stage.”
Indeed, when it comes to your heart, hesitation can be costly. So, if you’re unsure about whether you’re experiencing a silent heart attack, allay your fears by booking a consultation with IJN today.
