Silent heart attack: These are the symptoms, frequency and dangers

Created: 01/18/2022 05:29

By: Sophia Lother

A silent heart attack can manifest itself through very unspecific symptoms.

(Iconic image) © Anto Magzan/dpa

Almost every second heart attack is not recognized by those affected.

What are the symptoms of silent danger?

Frankfurt - Heart disease is one of the most common causes of death in Germany.

According to a meta-analysis by the Ärzteblatt, the number of heart attacks (myocardial infarction) fell during the corona lockdown, but an average of

were still admitted to a clinic every day with a heart attack.

But these numbers could be much higher.

Because a comprehensive long-term study came to the conclusion that almost half of all heart attacks are not recognized as such and are therefore not treated.

But what is behind these

and what are the symptoms?

Silent heart attack: what are the symptoms?

In a large-scale long-term study, researchers in the USA examined more than 9,000 people.

Almost nine years after the initial examination, it was found that 703 of them had suffered a heart attack.

Only 386 were noted in the medical records.

Almost every second heart attack was therefore not recognized.

The problem with the silent heart attack is that it only manifests itself in the form of unspecific symptoms, which are usually only weakly pronounced.

.

This is because blood circulation is disrupted, causing parts of the heart muscle to die off.

According to the German Heart Foundation, these signs in particular should be examined by a doctor:

• General chest pain

• shortness of breath

• exhaustion

• dizziness

Silent heart attack: why those affected do not recognize it

Why is the silent heart attack so often not recognized?

On the one hand, this can be due to the rather mild and non-specific symptoms.

Pre-existing conditions can also play a role.

According to the German Heart Foundation,

.

And her illness puts her at particular risk in other ways.

The reason: the

can damage the nerves of the heart.

If this is the case, then pain signals are not always transmitted.

Even a major heart attack may go unnoticed by diabetics.

Cannabis consumption increases the risk of heart attack: A research team from the USA reports increasing cases among younger people with greatly increased consumption.

The long-term study from the USA also came to the conclusion that men were affected significantly more frequently by both silent and clinically recognized heart attacks.

Another US study with more than 97,000 participants also indicates that although

, silent heart attacks are detected much less frequently in women.

In their study, the experts identified other risk factors for a silent heart attack in addition to diabetes.

Accordingly, smokers and people with high blood pressure were more likely to be affected.

Silent heart attack: There are these risk groups

Those affected who perceive the above-mentioned non-specific symptoms should seek medical advice immediately.

Early detection can prevent the death of heart muscle tissue.

The heart can then recover much better after a heart attack.

(Sophia Lother) *fr.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA

The information given in this article does not replace a visit to a doctor.

Only experts can make the right diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy.

The intake of medication or dietary supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.