When we think of heart attacks or strokes, we often imagine dramatic, life-altering events accompanied by obvious symptoms like chest pain or slurred speech. However, not all heart attacks and strokes present in this way. Silent heart attacks and silent strokes can happen without any noticeable symptoms, making them particularly dangerous because they often go undetected until more serious damage occurs.
What Is a Silent Heart Attack?
A silent heart attack occurs when there’s a blockage in the blood flow to the heart, just like a traditional heart attack, but without the intense chest pain, shortness of breath, or other common warning signs. Many people who experience a silent heart attack mistake it for something as minor as indigestion or a muscle strain, not realizing that their heart has sustained damage. Over time, this can increase the risk of heart failure and other complications.
What Is a Silent Stroke?
Similarly, a silent stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, but without the typical stroke symptoms like sudden weakness or difficulty speaking. Instead, silent strokes can cause subtle changes in cognition, memory, or mood that often go unnoticed. These mini-strokes can accumulate over time, increasing the risk of a major stroke down the road.
Why Silent Heart Attacks and Strokes Matter – And What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Because these silent events often go unnoticed, the damage can continue to build, leading to more severe cardiovascular problems. Many people who have had a silent heart attack or stroke are at a much higher risk for future, more serious events. That’s why early detection is critical.
The good news is that there are ways to detect these hidden health threats before they lead to larger problems.
At Forward Healthy Lifestyles, we offer RED Alert heart health screenings, which provide a comprehensive look at your cardiovascular health. These screenings can help identify risks like blocked arteries, irregular heart rhythms, or previous unnoticed heart events. By catching these issues early, we can help you take steps to protect your heart and brain, improving your long-term health.
Don’t wait for symptoms to take action. Schedule your RED Alert heart health screening today and take control of your cardiovascular health before it’s too late. Silent heart attacks and strokes may be hidden, but with the right screening, they don’t have to be ignored