Do You Know What a Silent Heart Attack Is?
Most people associate a heart attack with big, dramatic symptoms. They believe it’s an event that no one could mistake or miss. In many cases, that’s true. However, did you know it’s possible to have a heart attack and not even know it? A heart attack that has no noticeable symptoms is called a “silent heart attack.” Doctors call it “silent ischemia,” which means a lack of blood getting to the heart. If your aging relative has been told they had this kind of heart attack, knowing more about it can help you to better care for them.
Homecare Wyoming OH – Do You Know What a Silent Heart Attack Is?
What Causes a Silent Heart Attack?
A silent heart attack occurs in much the same way a conventional heart attack does. It happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked by plaque that narrows the coronary arteries.
The American Heart Association says that silent heart attacks affect women more often than they do men. Often, a woman and her doctor may ascribe the symptoms of a silent heart attack to anxiety. The unfortunate thing about that is that a silent heart attack causes damage to the heart that could lead to more serious problems. Not knowing that one has occurred means a missed opportunity for monitoring the person for other conditions or a worsening of heart disease. They may also lead to a more serious heart attack.
What Are the Risk Factors for a Silent Heart Attack?
The risk factors associated with a silent heart attack are the same as those for a typical heart attack. They include:
- Tobacco use.
- Age.
- High cholesterol.
- High blood pressure.
- Excess weight.
- Diabetes.
- Lack of exercise.
- Family history of heart disease.
What Makes Some Heart Attacks Silent?
It seems like it would be hard for a person to miss having a heart attack. So, what makes some heart attacks silent? There are many things that can make a heart attack silent for some people, such as:
High Pain Threshold: Some people simply aren’t affected by pain as much as other people are. They can tolerate pain, so they might ignore symptoms other people couldn’t.
Dulled Nerves: Some diseases, like diabetes, affect the way that nerves work. This can mean that pain signals aren’t carried as well, so the person doesn’t feel the heart attack.
Age: Older people are more likely to have silent heart attacks. People over the age of 75 have more silent heart attacks than do younger people.
If your older family member has had a silent heart attack, a homecare provider can help them to prevent a more serious heart attack. A homecare provider can prepare heart healthy meals that also encourage reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. Homecare providers can also make sure your aging relative takes medications prescribed for heart disease, reminding them to take the medications at the proper times.
Sources: https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/facts/silent-heart-attack-symptoms-risks
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/expert-answers/silent-heart-attack/faq-20057777
https://www.verywellhealth.com/silent-heart-attacks-1746018
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Homecare Services in Wyoming OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
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