Cases of silent heart attack have increased rapidly. Earlier it used to happen with age, but due to lack of proper diet, nowadays even small children are becoming its victims. Let us know about it in detail.

Cases of heart attack have increased rapidly in the last few years. Heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI) occurs when blood flow to the heart muscles reduces or stops completely. This condition is serious because heart cells start getting damaged due to lack of oxygen. Usually this problem occurs due to blockage in the coronary artery.

Sometimes a heart attack can occur without any major symptoms, which is called a silent heart attack. It is so dangerous that people often come to know about it only when they get an ECG or stress test done and the doctor sees signs of damage to the heart.

How to identify a silent heart attack?

Silent heart attacks do not always have classic symptoms, such as sharp chest pain. Instead, general signs such as mild fatigue, indigestion or shortness of breath may appear. People often ignore these as minor problems, but they can be serious.

Who are the people most at risk?

According to a study published in 2023, women are at a higher risk of silent heart attack because they do not show many symptoms. Elderly people suffering from age-related diseases are also in the danger zone. Apart from this, diabetic patients already have problems in their veins, which also puts them at risk. People with high blood pressure can also face problems quickly due to weak blood arteries.

How to protect yourself?

The best way to avoid heart attack is to change your lifestyle in time.

• Control cholesterol:  High cholesterol over a long period of time can block arteries, increasing the risk of a heart attack.
• Take a balanced diet: Eat foods with more fiber and less trans fat. Include fresh vegetables, fruits, and protein in your diet.
• Be physically active: Exercise daily, control your weight, and avoid smoking.
• Reduce alcohol: Excessive alcohol increases blood pressure and triglycerides, which are risk factors for a heart attack.
• Regular health checkup: Keep getting your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol checked.

The statistics of silent heart attacks are shocking.

According to the National Library of Medicine, 70 to 80 percent of ischemic events in people with coronary artery disease are asymptomatic. Silent ischemia has been found in 2 to 4 percent of men in the middle-aged group during a treadmill test. 20 to 30 percent of total myocardial infarction cases are silent heart attacks. Remember that a heart attack does not always come suddenly, it gradually damages the body, so do not ignore the signals of the body and keep getting regular checkups. Adopt a healthy lifestyle from today itself, because caution is safety.