Silent Killers: 5 Overlooked Heart Attack Symptoms

By Lori Johnston, AgingCare.com

February is a month when folks focus on matters of the heart, but it’s not just about falling in love. February is also American Heart Month. When it comes to our loved ones, we’re concerned about potential heart attacks, and that can happen year-round.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States, claiming more than 800,000 Americans annually, according to the American Heart Association.

Heart attack is to blame for more than 40 percent of those deaths, as about 325,000 people die before they reach the ER or hospital, the American Heart Association says.

But many of those deaths can be prevented, and February – American Heart Month – is a good time to become more aware of the signs of a heart attack.

Heart Attack: Warning Signs and Risk Factors

Most folks know to look for typical symptoms, such as chest discomfort, pain in the arms or back and shortness of breath.

But some victims of a heart attack don’t experience chest pain. That’s how heart attacks get their reputations as silent killers.

“It’s not always easy, even for a physician, to know when someone is having a heart attack,” says Dr. Travis Stork, an ER physician and co-host of the popular TV show “The Doctors.”

Silent Killers: 5 Overlooked Heart Attack Symptoms originally appeared on AgingCare.com.

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Danuta W.

12:31AM PDT on Apr 1, 2012

Thanks for sharing.

send a green star

Antony M.

1:15AM PST on Mar 1, 2012

thanks

Mari '.

10:08AM PST on Feb 28, 2012

Interesting!! tyvm :)

Shirley E.

3:21AM PST on Feb 28, 2012

I wouldn't normally have thought of fatigue being associated with heart attack so this has been an eye-opener for me this morning.

Charli S.

9:33AM PST on Feb 27, 2012

Every American should have low cost health care....the problem is that it's a multibillion dollar industry in which everyone except the doctors and the patients make money. Most doctors I talk to hate the way medicine is practiced today. Some thi8ngs that would make it better:
All insurance companies are made limited profit or not for profit companies
Everyone is covered
A single payer system
Pharmaceutical companies are not allowed to make money off research paid for by taxpayers.
Limited profits on medications

I'm lucky to have government run medical care. I'm a veteran and the VA I go to is a gold standard medical center and every American should have this kind of care. And we don't have it because the politicians, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies make sure we fight among ourselves about NON-issues such as Socialism and Communism. Our Fire departments and Police departments are a form of socialism yet no one wants to get rid of them. Quit allowing both the far left and the far right to destroy the little guy. If EVERY citizen would put aside non--issues we could have a wonderful country in which every citizen has the most amount of freedom without infringing on the rights of others. As long as they separate us with these BS issues they will continue to rule us.Wouldn't it be nice if everyone could live their lives in the manner in which they want (as long as it doesn't harm another person and they are consenting adults)?

9:14AM PST on Feb 27, 2012

I'm sort of screwed as these are sx's I have all the time. My doctor told me that if you're anxious that it's a warning sign. If you feel "off" to go in. Better to go in and find out it's nothing then to ignore and die or become disabled.

Thomas L.

5:18AM PST on Feb 27, 2012

I think that health care reform is a great idea. I have type 1 diabetes and for me to get insurance, it was a nightmare until I found "Penny Health" search for them online and you can get affordable health insurance instantly.

Fran F.

11:55PM PST on Feb 26, 2012

Thanks for the post.

Anand Y.

8:52PM PST on Feb 26, 2012

Barring pain and discomfort in the stomach, neck or jaw, other symptoms are so rare that they will be overlooked even by the doctors!

LMj S.

8:19PM PST on Feb 26, 2012

thank you.