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'Not indigestion': 9 signs of silent heart attack that are difficult to notice

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Jun 6, 2025, 08:15 IST
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'Not indigestion': 9 signs of silent heart attack that are difficult to notice

Sometimes, it doesn’t come with a chest-thumping pain – but with a whimper.

A silent heart attack—or silent myocardial infarction—is a heart attack that occurs without the classic symptoms like severe chest pain. People often tend to mistake these subtle signs for less serious conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Moreover, silent heart attacks may be more common in women than men, possibly due to subtle symptom presentation and a tendency to downplay symptoms. Women may experience symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, or fatigue, which can be misattributed to other causes like stress or anxiety.

Here are 9 signs that may seem like common indigestion, but might be indicating a more serious concern.

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Unusual fatigue


Persistent and unexplained fatigue, especially during routine activities, can be an early indicator of a silent heart attack. This fatigue occurs because the heart is not pumping blood efficiently, leading to reduced oxygen supply to the body. Individuals may feel unusually tired even after adequate rest.

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Chest discomfort


Unlike the intense chest pain typically associated with heart attacks, silent heart attacks may present as mild chest discomfort, pressure, or tightness. This discomfort can be fleeting or intermittent, making it easy to dismiss.

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Shortness of breath


Experiencing shortness of breath during minimal physical activity or even at rest can indicate a problem with the heart. This symptom occurs because the heart is struggling to pump enough blood to meet the body's demand, leading to inadequate oxygen supply.

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Nausea or indigestion


Unexplained nausea, vomiting, or a feeling of fullness can be associated with silent heart attacks, especially when not linked to meals. These symptoms are often mistaken for gastrointestinal issues but can indicate heart problems.

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Dizziness or lightheadedness


Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, especially when standing up suddenly, can be a sign of reduced blood flow to the brain due to heart issues. This symptom should not be ignored, as it could indicate a serious underlying condition.

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Regular testing

When it comes to heart, regular testing is important after 40

8/14

Cold sweats


Sudden, unexplained sweating, particularly without physical exertion, can be a warning sign of a heart attack. Cold sweats occur as the body's natural response to stress or pain, and they can be more pronounced in some individuals.


9/14

Stay healthy

By staying healthy, you can keep heart diseases at bay

10/14

Pain in the upper body


Pain or discomfort in areas like the jaw, neck, back, or arms, without chest pain, can be indicative of a silent heart attack. This pain may come and go or be mild, similar to muscle strain.

11/14

Keep note

Keep note of thes signs to take care of your heart

12/14

Sleep disturbances


Difficulty sleeping or waking up feeling unrefreshed may be linked to heart problems. Sleep disturbances can occur due to discomfort or anxiety related to heart issues.

13/14

Anxiety pangs


Unexplained feelings of anxiety or a sense that something is wrong can precede a silent heart attack. This is thought to occur due to the body's response to the stress of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.What are uric acid stones?​

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Tired even after resting

Trouble falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, or feeling tired even after a full night's rest may be signs of underlying heart problems.


Top Comment
C
Chinedu Ozoemelam
361 days ago
Nice write-up
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