Cardiovascular disease causes one in four adult deaths, killing someone in the UK every three minutes
In the UK, cardiovascular disease has caused over a quarter of all deaths. On average, this is said to be around 170,000 people each year, making it 460 each day or one every three minutes in the UK.
Figures from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) state that “in the UK there are around 100,000 hospital admissions each year due to heart attacks: that’s one every five minutes.”
While many people may know the common signs of a heart attack, there are silent symptoms that many may brush off as normal or mistake for acid reflux. Experts from UCLA Health note that while many people experience “warning signs days or even weeks before the onset of the attack”, some people do not.
Stressing that “symptoms can vary in intensity and be different for each person”, it explains what to look out for. Here is what you should know.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack, also called an acute myocardial infarction, happens when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough blood and oxygen. This occurs because blood flow to part of the heart becomes blocked, depriving it of oxygen and causing the heart to begin to fail.
Experts say the main cause of heart attacks is coronary artery disease (CAD) which happens when cholesterol and other substances build up in the arteries, forming plaque – a process called atherosclerosis. If a plaque breaks, a blood clot can form and block blood flow. Often, a heart attack is the first sign that someone has CAD.
What are the signs of a heart attack?
Heart attack symptoms aren’t always obvious. Most don’t happen suddenly or intensely and can start slowly with mild signs. About two-thirds of people experience some warning symptoms before a heart attack, according to UCLA Health.
It adds: “The most common and recognisable symptom of a heart attack is chest pain (also called angina). The pain may feel like pressure, squeezing, burning or tightness in the centre of your chest. It may last more than a few minutes, or it may continue to come and go.”
There are other symptoms of heart attack that may or may not accompany chest pain and may be lesser known. They include:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain, numbness, pinching or other uncomfortable sensation in your arm, jaw, back or stomach
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing deeply
- Unexplained sweating or cool, clammy skin
- Unusual fatigue
Are heart attack symptoms in women different?
The American Heart Association reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. Many women, however, mistake their symptoms for ageing, anxiety, or acid reflux. While chest pain or discomfort is the most common sign of a heart attack in women, sometimes these symptoms occur without any chest pain. Women are also more likely than men to experience other symptoms, including:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain in the back or jaw.
What is a silent heart attack?
About 1 in 5 heart attacks are silent, meaning they have few or no obvious symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they are often mild, with symptoms of indigestion, a tight chest, or flu-like feelings.
UCLA add: “Like any heart attack, silent heart attacks involve a blockage of blood flow and often cause damage to the heart muscle. Having a silent heart attack puts you at greater risk for another heart attack.
“If you experience any mild symptoms of a heart attack that are out of the ordinary or give you pause, it’s better to be cautious and talk to your doctor. Your doctor will use imaging tests such as an electrocardiogram or echocardiogram to identify damage to your heart.”
What should I do if I think someone is having a heart attack?
If you experience heart attack symptoms, call 999 right away. Do not drive yourself to the hospital, as it can waste valuable time and be dangerous. Getting treatment quickly can help limit damage to your heart.
