Undiagnosed or "silent" heart attacks are very common, potentially making up 20% to 60% of all heart attacks, often missed because they lack classic chest pain, presenting as fatigue, breathlessness, or indigestion, especially in women and people with diabetes, and are only discovered later through scans or ongoing heart issues, despite carrying significant risks for future events.
Silent heart attacks (called Silent Myocardial Infarction or SMI) often lack the classic severe chest pain, instead presenting as mild discomfort, fatigue, heartburn, or a flu-like illness that may be ignored.
The survival rate for a heart attack is much higher, over 60%. However, if untreated, a heart attack can lead to a cardiac arrest.
Smoking, alcohol consumption, and substance abuse significantly contribute to the increased risk of heart attacks. Smoking tobacco damages blood vessels, reduces oxygen supply, and accelerates the development of atherosclerosis. It also increases blood clotting, heightening the chances of heart attacks.
Clogged arteries – which can lead to heart attacks and strokes – can begin to develop in young adulthood. But a new study suggests it may be less likely to happen to those who better adhere to a set of lifestyle behaviors and factors such as maintaining a healthy weight and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.
While the majority of first heart attacks happen around age 65 for men and 72 for women, there has been an increase in heart attacks in people under age 40, according to the American College of Cardiology, a professional organization of heart doctors.
“Smoking is one of the most harmful things people can do to themselves,” Dr. Maniar says. Blood flow drops, slashing oxygen that fuels the heart, which compensates by spiking blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and can lead to hardened and narrowed arteries and blood clots causing cardiovascular disease.
Being fit does not guarantee protection from heart attacks—underlying genetic conditions, hidden blockages, or rhythm problems can still exist. In many cases, extreme overexertion acts as a “trigger” for an undiagnosed heart issue.
The “7 second trick to prevent heart attack” refers to a simple, quick breathing or movement-based technique believed to stimulate heart rate, circulation, and calm the nervous system. It often involves: Deep breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 3) Coughing technique (used in CPR-like situations)
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of heart attacks. CHD is a condition in which the coronary arteries (the major blood vessels that supply the heart with blood) become clogged with deposits of fats such as cholesterol and other substances. These deposits are called plaques.
Rapid Treatment Saves Lives
This may include giving you aspirin or nitroglycerin, oxygen therapy, and/or treatment to reduce your chest pain. If a heart attack is diagnosed (or strongly suspected), doctors will act quickly to restore blood flow to the heart.
However, frequent urination can also be a symptom of more severe health conditions, including coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. For example, heart failure can lead to fluid buildup in the body, which the kidneys then work to eliminate through increased urine production.
The heart is unable to regenerate heart muscle after a heart attack and lost cardiac muscle is replaced by scar tissue. Scar tissue does not contribute to cardiac contractile force and the remaining viable cardiac muscle is thus subject to a greater hemodynamic burden.
Catch the signs early
Others start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you have: Chest discomfort. Most people having a heart attack feel discomfort in the center of the chest.
During a heart attack, you should never ignore symptoms, don't drive yourself to the hospital, avoid strenuous activity like coughing CPR, and never give aspirin unless a medical professional advises it. The most critical action is to call emergency services (like 911 or 000) immediately to get paramedics and trained care en route as quickly as possible.
Anxiety disorders fall into several categories. Here are a few of them: Panic disorder – can be associated with cardiac disease or mistaken for heart attack. Feelings of extreme agitation and terror are often accompanied by dizziness, chest pains, stomach discomfort, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate.
Cardiologists generally advise avoiding processed meats, sugary drinks and sweets, and foods high in trans fats and sodium, like most fried foods and salty snacks, because they raise bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation, significantly increasing heart disease risk. Focusing on whole foods and limiting these culprits is key for heart health.
Taking aspirin during a heart attack is safe and recommended. If you think you're having a heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Aspirin alone won't save your life if you're having a heart attack.
Heart-healthy drinks (other than water)
She was born with supraventricular tachycardia, a condition causing an abnormal resting heart rate. Her birth name, Destiny Hope, expressed her parents' belief that she would accomplish great things. Her parents nicknamed her "Smiley", which they later shortened to "Miley", because she often smiled as an infant.
In other words, genetics and family history play a vital, unseen role. Even with other external indicators of good health, a family history of early cardiovascular disease can increase your risk. Additionally, the older you get, the more your risk of heart attack increases, starting as early as 40 for some people.
As sports go, however, basketball players actually suffer the highest rate of sudden cardiac death (SCD). SCD isn't just a hazard for professional athletes — it's the leading cause of exercise-related sudden death among young people.
6 Things You do that Could be Damaging Your Heart
Yes, a weak heart can often become stronger or significantly improve with consistent effort, involving a doctor-guided plan with regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet (low sodium), medications, stress management, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing other conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes to improve heart function and quality of life.
Foods to eat