Each year in the United States, about 805,000 people experience heart attacks, typically preceded by heart disease. On average, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds. But it’s not always clear when a heart attack is happening.
However, not all heart attacks present with noticeable chest discomfort. Some individuals may only exhibit atypical or subtle symptoms, which can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed, and these symptoms are more prevalent among women. Silent ischemia: This refers to the absence of any discomfort in the chest or other areas, with signs of myocardial ischemia only being detected during an electrocardiogram or other examinations.
Jaw pain and toothache: This presents as referred pain from heart disease, a type of pain caused by the nerves associated with the heart. Nausea and indigestion: This occurs because both the heart and the gastrointestinal tract are regulated by the autonomic nervous system. Myocardial ischemia can affect the motility and secretion functions of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to indigestion, abdominal discomfort, and nausea.
Unexplained fatigue: Myocardial ischemia reduces the efficiency of the heart’s function, resulting in a lack of oxygen and energy in the body. This manifests as persistent fatigue and an inability to regain physical strength. Cold sweats, dizziness, anxiety, and shortness of breath: These are all warning signs of a heart attack.
Managing weight: Obesity increases the burden on the heart and is lin.
