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Silent heart attacks, often without obvious symptoms, represent an insidious health risk. This article explores the subtle signs of a silent heart attack and suggests methods to reduce the associated risks.
Understanding Silent Heart Attacks
Contrary to dramatic representations, a silent heart attack is characterized by barely perceptible or non-perceptible symptoms. These events, also known as silent myocardial ischemia, can go unnoticed because they lack the classic symptoms of a heart attack. Approximately 45% of heart attacks are silent, with an increased risk in women.
Triggering Factors
Silent heart attacks are generally caused by atherosclerosis, where cholesterol plaques build up in the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. Risk factors include smoking, a high-salt diet, stress, type 2 diabetes, a family history of heart disease, preeclampsia, as well as age- and gender-related factors.
Recognizing the Signs
Persistent Flu Symptoms: Persistent flu-like symptoms may indicate a silent heart attack.
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