What Is a Silent Heart Attack?

When you think about having a heart attack, you probably imagine that it will come with some well-known signs, like pain in your left arm or a squeezing sensation in your chest. And some heart attacks do come with specific symptoms. But they can also happen without you even knowing it. 

Experts call these silent heart attacks, and they make up nearly half of all heart attack cases. What’s more, having a silent heart attack heightens your risk to have another cardiac event. 

Fortunately, here at Manhattan Integrative Cardiovascular in Midtown East Manhattan, New York City, David Bolon, MD, can use an echocardiogram to determine if you’ve had a silent heart attack. Then, he can tailor a prevention plan for you. 

Let’s dig more into these surprisingly common heart attacks so you can know when to talk to Dr. Bolon. 

Understanding silent heart attacks

Silent heart attacks occur with no noticeable symptoms, or with symptoms so brief and mild that you dismiss them. In fact, many people who’ve had a silent heart attack say they just thought it was heartburn. 

Silent heart attacks affect men more frequently than women, partially because men are more likely to dismiss their symptoms when they pass quickly or don’t feel overly severe. 

You may have had a silent heart attack if you currently have symptoms like:

• A feeling of a “flu” that won’t go away
• Constant fatigue
• Persistent feeling of “heartburn” or “indigestion”
• Achiness in your chest, upper back, arms, or jaw
• Shortness of breath

Clearly, the signs of a silent heart attack seem like a lot of other health conditions — normal aches and pains. That’s why they’re so easy to ignore. But it’s worth talking to Dr. Bolon if you’ve noticed these warning signs. A silent heart attack damages your heart and can leave scarring. This can put you at a greater risk for another heart attack if you don’t address it. 

What to do if you think you had a silent heart attack

If the symptoms of a silent heart attack sound familiar, make an appointment with Dr. Bolon.

At our office, he can use an echocardiogram to determine if you’ve had a silent heart attack. This device uses sound waves to show what’s going on in your heart.

The echocardiogram is completely pain-free and usually takes about half an hour.

If Dr. Bolon does see signs of a silent heart attack, he works with you to prevent another cardiac event. Your personalized prevention plan generally pairs medication with lifestyle guidelines, like eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. 

A silent heart attack is just as serious as a traditional one. To ensure your heart gets the care it needs, visit Dr. Bolon any time you notice anything out of the ordinary. You can call us at (716) 303-4738 or book your appointment online.