When you think about what a heart attack looks like, you may think of a dramatic and life-threatening event where someone clutches their chest in pain.
But not all heart attacks are created equal.
Mini-heart attacks, also known as mild or silent heart attacks, can be less obvious…but still very serious.
Keep reading to learn about these milder heart attacks, why they should be taken seriously, and what to do if you think you’ve had one.
What Is a Mini-Heart Attack?
A mini-heart attack happens when blood flow to a part of the heart is temporarily reduced or blocked. These milder heart attacks can occur without the intense pain that is often associated with more significant heart attacks.
However…a mini-heart attack can still be damaging to the heart.
Because the symptoms of mini-heart attacks are mild, they often go overlooked. Or sometimes they are mistaken for less severe issues.
Here are some warning signs of a mild heart attack:
- Mild chest discomfort or pressure that comes and goes
- Shortness of breath, especially when not doing anything strenuous
- Sudden or unusual fatigue
- Nausea or indigestion
- Discomfort in the shoulders, arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
Why These Symptoms Shouldn’t Be Ignored
While mini-heart attacks are not as severe as their more significant counterparts, they’re still a big deal. Here’s why:
- Heart damage
Every heart attack, no matter how small, damages the heart muscle. When the heart is compromised in this way, it can’t pump blood efficiently.
- Increased risk for future heart attacks
A mini-heart attack increases the risk for having another heart attack in the future…and the next one could be more severe. In other words, the initial damage caused by a milder heart attack can set the stage for more serious heart problems down the road.
- Heart failure
Repeated mini-heart attacks can cause cumulative damage to the heart muscle. This damage can eventually lead to heart failure, which can negatively impact quality of life.
- Arrhythmias
Damage to the heart muscle can interfere with the electrical signals that regulate heartbeat, which can cause arrhythmias (i.e. irregular heartbeats). Arrhythmias can be life-threatening if not treated.
- Increased mortality risk
Any kind of heart attack, big or small, increases a person’s overall risk of death from heart disease.
What if You Think You’ve Had a Mini-Heart Attack?
The signs of a mini-heart attack are subtle…but it can be dangerous to ignore them.
The symptoms described above can be a warning that something is amiss within the cardiovascular system. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you have experienced any of the above.
At Renew Youth, our contribution to cardiovascular health is balanced hormones.
To find out more, call us at (800) 859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary consultation.