We have all seen the movies: a man clutches his chest, collapses in pain, and everyone rushes to help. This is the “Hollywood Heart Attack.” Silent Heart Attack Symptoms
But in real life, 45% of heart attacks happen without the dramatic chest-clutching pain. These are called Silent Heart Attacks (Silent Ischemia). Silent Heart Attack Symptoms
The scariest part? You might be having one right now and mistake it for simple tiredness or the flu. Dr. Avishek Saha, a top-rated cardiologist in Kolkata, explains how to spot the invisible danger before it causes permanent damage.
1. Unexplained Fatigue (The #1 Sign) Silent Heart Attack Symptoms
Do you feel exhausted after walking a short distance or making your bed?
- The Difference: Normal tiredness goes away with sleep. “Heart fatigue” feels like a heavy weight dragging you down, even after a full night’s rest.
- Why it happens: Your heart is struggling to pump blood through blocked arteries, leaving your muscles starved of oxygen.
2. Sudden Cold Sweats Silent Heart Attack Symptoms
It is winter in Kolkata. If you suddenly break out in a cold, clammy sweat while sitting on the sofa or watching TV, pay attention.
- The Red Flag: Sweating without physical exertion or fever is a classic sign that your nervous system is reacting to heart stress.
3. Nausea or “Stomach Upset” Silent Heart Attack Symptoms
Many patients visit a gastroenterologist when they actually need a heart doctor.
- The Trap: Silent heart attacks often mimic severe acidity, indigestion, or vomiting.
- Dr. Saha’s Advice: If antacids don’t fix the pain and you feel lightheaded, do not wait. Get an ECG done immediately.
4. Jaw, Neck, or Back Pain
Pain does not always start in the chest. In silent attacks, especially in women and diabetics, pain travels.
- The Path: A dull ache in the jaw, a “cricked” neck, or pain between the shoulder blades can actually be referred pain from the heart.
5. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
If you find yourself gasping for air while talking or lying down flat, it is a warning.
- The Connection: Fluid may be building up in the lungs because the heart cannot pump effectively. This is often the only symptom for diabetic patients (who may not feel pain due to nerve damage).
Who is at High Risk? Silent Heart Attack Symptoms
You need to be extra vigilant if you fall into these categories:
- Diabetics: High blood sugar damages nerves, masking the pain signals.
- Age 45+: The risk increases with age.
- High Stress Lifestyle: Common among Kolkata’s working professionals.
What Should You Do? Silent Heart Attack Symptoms
A silent heart attack leaves scar tissue on the heart. Without treatment, it often leads to a massive, fatal cardiac arrest later.
Don’t Guess. Get Checked. A simple ECG or ECHO test can detect if your heart is under stress.
Dr. Avishek Saha specializes in detecting and treating silent ischemia. With over 15 years of experience, he helps patients identify the “hidden” signs before it’s too late.
Protect Your Heart Today. 📍 Clinic: 26, Manohar Pukur Road, Kolkata – 700029 📞 Call Dr. Saha: +91 9874381872 📅 Book a Preventive Screening
