Heart attacks don't just come with chest pain! Beware of the silent danger!

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death both in Turkey and worldwide. Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Cardiology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Yılmaz stated that approximately 300 thousand people in Turkey suffer a heart attack every year, emphasizing that there has been an increase in heart attack cases seen at younger ages, especially in recent years.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz provided the following information on the subject: “Recently, we have been observing an increase in heart attack cases in people in their 30s.

Among the most common reasons for this are a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, early-age smoking and substance use, and genetic predisposition."

SILENT HEART ATTACK IS A SIGNIFICANT RISK FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS!

Stating that heart attacks can also manifest with different symptoms and that chest pain is the most common and well-known symptom among patients, the expert pointed out that in about 20-30 percent of patients, a heart attack can occur without chest pain.

SILENT HEART ATTACK

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz said, “Shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, and pain radiating to the back or jaw can be harbingers of a heart attack. Symptoms such as nausea and sweating can be prominent, especially in women. In diabetic patients, crises known as 'silent heart attacks,' which occur without being noticed, pose a serious risk.

Because these patients present to us having already suffered a heart attack, the damage to the heart is often irreversible, and heart failure develops in the patients. Subsequently, they may present to the hospital with complications such as rhythm disturbances or sudden death,” he said.

BEWARE IF THE PRESSURE IN THE CHEST INCREASES WITH EXERTION!

Pointing to the increase in heart attack cases in people in their 30s in recent years, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz stated that symptoms other than chest pain can also be prominent in young patients, and continued his words as follows; “For example, a feeling of pressure or burning in the chest that increases with exertion can often be confused with stomach problems. However, such complaints should be taken seriously. These symptoms, especially if there are risk factors, may indicate a heart attack. They must be evaluated by a physician.”

‘THE FIRST HOURS OF A HEART ATTACK ARE VERY CRITICAL’

“Every passing minute increases heart damage. Early diagnosis and rapid intervention can prevent the heart from being damaged. Especially if these complaints started suddenly and the patient has age and certain risk factors, it can of course be a heart attack.

For this reason, symptoms such as suddenly starting back pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or nausea must be taken seriously, especially if there are risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, or a family history of heart disease.”

‘COMPLAINTS SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED’

“Especially those over the age of 40 who have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or smoking should not neglect their annual check-ups even if they have no complaints.

Not ignoring complaints and consulting a doctor at any suspicion can be life-saving.”