Over 45% of heart attacks go unnoticed in India

Hyderabad: Not all heart attacks strike with crushing chest pain and sudden collapse. Many occur quietly, with subtle signs that are often ignored. Medical experts warn that such `silent heart attacks’ may be more common in India than many realize.

What Are Silent Heart Attacks?

Unlike the typical heart attack with dramatic symptoms, a silent heart attack may appear as mild indigestion, unusual fatigue, dizziness, or breathlessness during routine activity. Discomfort can also radiate to the jaw, back, or shoulders. These vague symptoms are frequently mistaken for acidity, stress, or tiredness.

“Silent heart attacks may manifest with signs that are so mild, they are dismissed until it is too late,” said Dr. Syed Akram Ali, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Director of Intensive Coronary Care, Renova Century Hospitals.

How Widespread in India?

Cardiologists estimate that nearly 45% of heart attacks go unnoticed. In India, men are particularly at risk. Data shows that 50% of heart attacks in Indian men occur before age 50, and 25% before age 40, according to the Indian Heart Association.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported 32,457 deaths due to heart attacks in 2022, a rise from the previous year. About 70% of these deaths occurred in people aged 30 to 60, underlining the trend of heart disease striking younger populations.

Why the Higher Risk?

Several factors contribute to the silent heart attack burden in India:

• Diabetes and hypertension, often poorly managed, can blunt chest pain due to nerve damage.

• Genetic predisposition, with South Asians having smaller coronary arteries and higher vulnerability to early cholesterol and sugar-related problems.

• Lifestyle risks, including stressful work culture, limited exercise, smoking, and unhealthy diets.

“India’s growing heart disease burden is staggering. Cardiovascular diseases account for 27% of all deaths, with nearly 2.9 million deaths in 2021 alone,” Dr. Ali pointed out.

Consequences of Missing the Signs

A silent heart attack, if left undetected, can weaken the heart muscle, leading to chronic heart failure, arrhythmias, or even sudden cardiac death.

What Can Be Done?

Dr. Ali advised, “If you’re over 40, or have diabetes, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, or a family history, prioritize annual heart check-ups.”

He further added:

• Do not ignore mild, unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, jaw pain, or breathlessness.

• Quit tobacco, reduce salt and processed foods, manage stress, and get at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity.

• Early detection tools like ECG, echocardiograms, or stress tests can be lifesaving.

Final Word

“A heart attack doesn’t always come with a scream; it can whisper. And in India, those whispers are becoming deafening,” said Dr. Ali. “Recognizing them, seeking timely help, and embracing prevention can help save your heart and your life.”