‘Silent’ Heart Attacks Occur More Often Than Originally Believed
What is a Silent Heart attack?
A heart attack is caused due to damage to an area of the heart muscle that is deprived of oxygen, usually due to blockage of a diseased coronary artery. A silent heart attack is typically accompanied by chest pain radiating down one or both arms. The severity of the attack varies with the extent and location of the damage.
As the definition explains, a heart attack is usually associated with chest pains that may potentially lead to death. Some heart attacks occur without being detected.
Close to 200,000 Americans are estimated to suffer from silent heart attacks each year. This is roughly 13% of all heart attacks diagnosed annually in the United States. These silent heart attacks or non-Q-wave unrecognized myocardial infarctions (UMIs) are often not found due to the fact that they do not cause pain, and do not leave any signs of heart attack that can be found using an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Related Post – Healthy Heart Tips
A new study led by Han Kim at Duke University examined 185 people who were suspected of coronary disease without a history of clinical myocardial infarction. The study found that 35% of the patients had evidence of heart attack and that non-Q-wave attacks were 3 times as likely as Q-wave UMI.
This new study has shown physicians that heart attacks are occurring much more frequently than ever thought before, but what are some ways you can help avoid a heart attack?
Five Ways to prevent Heart attack
- Follow a low-fat diet, rich in fruits and vegetables
- Lower your salt intake. That means picking the salad, not the French fries.
- Losing weight if you are overweight or obese. Between commercials try pumping out a few push-ups, or sit-ups.
- Stop smoking. Smoking has horrible effects on not only your heart, but most of your body in general, so it would be a good idea to kick the habit.
- Do physical activity to improve heart fitness. Instead of watching television, try going outside for a brisk walk or run. Yes, I know that many people have commitments, work, and family, and watching the NHL playoffs, but spending that little bit of time now may end up allowing you to watch playoff games a few years from now. Ask your doctor how much and what kinds of physical activity are safe for you.
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