(NewsNation) — Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, and it can strike without warning.
Often called a “silent killer,” heart disease can progress without noticeable symptoms until a serious event like a heart attack, arrhythmia, or heart failure occurs. Even when symptoms are present, they’re oftentimes subtle or mistaken for other conditions, allowing the disease to go undiagnosed for extended periods.
What are the ‘silent’ signs of heart disease?
Many of the symptoms of heart problems and silent heart attacks aren’t specific to heart disease.
According to Cardiac Care Associates, “silent” heart disease symptoms can include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fatigue or shortness of breath
- Sweating without cause
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Swelling of the ankles or feet
- Heart palpitations
- Pain that radiates to the jaw
While these symptoms can stem from other health conditions, experts urge consulting a doctor if symptoms occur, even if they seem minor.
What is a silent heart attack?
A silent heart attack occurs when the heart doesn’t receive enough blood and oxygen, but the person experiences little to no symptoms and doesn’t recognize it as a serious medical event.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that although silent, these heart attacks are just as dangerous.
Typically, heart attacks are caused by blood clots that block blood flow through a coronary artery. Less commonly, they result in a coronary artery spasm or injury to the artery wall.
Heart attacks can happen during sleep, at rest, after intense physical or emotional stress, or even after a sudden burst of physical activity.
Researchers estimate that 22% to 60% of heart attacks may be silent, with a higher likelihood in women and people with diabetes.
What causes heart disease?
Heart disease is a broad reference to multiple heart conditions. The most common is coronary artery disease, which disrupts blood flow to the heart.
This decrease in blood flow is the most common cause of heart attacks.
Several risk factors significantly contribute to one’s likelihood of having heart disease. These include high blood pressure, smoking and high blood cholesterol. Per the CDC, 47% of Americans have at least one of three.
NewsNation’s Patrick Djordjevic and Ashley N. Soriano contributed to this report.