Millions of Britons could be walking around completely unaware they have suffered a life-threatening 'silent' heart attack, health experts have urgently warned. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is raising the alarm over the often-missed symptoms that differ drastically from the dramatic chest-clutching scenes portrayed in films.
Unlike a typical heart attack, the 'silent' version can manifest through bewilderingly common and easy-to-dismiss signs. Experts stress that recognising these red flags is crucial, as the damage to the heart muscle is just as severe and requires immediate medical attention.
The Hidden Signs You're Having a Heart Attack
Forget what you've seen on television. A real heart attack, particularly a silent one, might feel nothing like extreme chest pain. The BHF and NHS identify these key symptoms to watch for:
- A feeling of indigestion or persistent heartburn that seems to come out of nowhere.
- Overwhelming fatigue and a sudden lack of energy that makes even simple tasks feel impossible.
- Discomfort, pain, or a strange heaviness in your chest, jaw, arm, or back.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or breaking out in a cold sweat without explanation.
- Shortness of breath and difficulty catching your breath during normal activities.
- Feeling sick or nauseous, which is often mistaken for a common bug.
Why These Symptoms Are So Dangerous
The extreme danger of a silent heart attack lies in its name. Because the symptoms are not the classic, unmistakable agony, people often shrug them off as stress, indigestion, a pulled muscle, or general tiredness. This critical delay means many fail to seek the emergency help they desperately need, leading to longer-term damage to their heart health.
Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, emphasised the urgency: "It’s vital to recognise that heart attack symptoms don’t always feel severe. Even if you’re not sure, don't hesitate to dial 999. Every minute counts in securing the best chance of survival and a good recovery."
What To Do If You Experience These Signs
The NHS advice is clear and could be life-saving. If you experience any of these symptoms, even if you're uncertain:
- Call 999 immediately. Do not wait to see if the symptoms pass. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
- Sit down and rest while you wait for the ambulance to arrive.
- Take a 300mg aspirin to chew slowly if you are not allergic, as it can help thin your blood.
This public health warning aims to empower people to listen to their bodies and act without hesitation, potentially saving thousands of lives across the UK.
