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Silent Heart Attack Symptoms You Should Never Ignore If You Are A Woman

Doctors are warning women all over the world to take note of the symptoms of a 'silent heart attack'.

Unlike a regular cardiac arrest - which reportedly kills around 68,000 Brits per year - this condition often doesn't result in death straight away, with many undergoing the crucial health blow without even realising.

There are numerous symptoms which shouldn't be ignored. (Kinga Krzeminska/Getty)

In a vast proportion of these incidents, the patient has avoided some of the conventional and well-known symptoms of the potentially deadly condition.

Unlike cardiac arrests, which often include symptoms like chest pains, stomach pain and shortness of breath, sufferers of 'silent heart attacks' - predominantly women - are more likely to suffer very different and often longer-term symptoms.

And in many cases, only when the patient is assessed by a doctor is a 'silent heart attack' detected.

Both conditions are still caused by blockages of the blood flow to a section of the heart, which, in turn, causes scarring and damage to the heart muscle.

However, in cases of a 'silent heart attack', the flow of blood is caused by a build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries.

Due to the rather 'low-key' nature of its symptoms, however, many patients fail to visit a GP to receive treatment and advise on their 'silent heart attack' until it is too late, and inadvertently put their lives further at risk.

Women are more likely to suffer a 'silent heart attack' than men. ( Jose A. Bernat Bacete/Getty)

Hoping to put an end to this dangerous routine, medical experts are urging British women to 'wise up' on the signs and symptoms.

These can include:

Mild discomfort in the chest

As we say, in cases of a regular cardiac arrest, severe chest pains are the most obvious indicator as to what is going on inside the body.

In cases of 'silent heart attacks', however, the patient is more likely to experience a much milder form of pain or discomfort, which usually starts right in the centre of your chest.

According to medics at Pennsylvania University, this may begin as a slight pressure which seems to build, dissolve and then return again later on.

As opposed to brushing this under the carpet, these doctors instead urge patients to you call a their GP for a check-up, if it's one you strongly doubt it could be a heart attack.

Discomfort in other areas of your body Arm pain is also a key indicator of the health ailment. (PeopleImages/Getty)

Pain can also be felt in order areas of the body during a 'silent heart attack', including in your arms, back, jaw, stomach and neck.

Nausea and cold sweats

Many common flu-like symptoms - including overwhelming nausea, vomiting and sweating can often be associated with a 'silent heart attack'.

As a result, if you're experiencing these ailments without actually feeling under the weather, you should get checked out by a medic ASAP.

Dizziness and loss of breath

Lightheadedness is also a pretty obvious indicator that you've undergone a heart attack without knowing.

If your everyday tasks are leaving you feeling drained - literally - it's best to get soon by your GP, whether you're a man or a woman.

Why Does Your Chest Hurt When You Breathe?

Experiencing chest pain when you breathe can range from mild discomfort to a sharp, stabbing feeling in the area between your neck and stomach. It can make everyday activities like taking deep breaths or moving around difficult.

Muscle strains, pneumonia, a blood clot in the lungs, and heart issues can all cause chest pain while breathing. Seeing your healthcare provider promptly is essential to determine what's causing the pain and get the proper treatment for your health and comfort.

To understand what can cause chest pain with breathing, it's important to know the body parts in the chest. Your chest is also known as the thoracic cavity, which includes the: Heart Lungs Trachea (windpipe) Esophagus Thymus (lymphatic system gland) Diaphragm Aorta (heart's blood vessel) Pleura (lung membranes) These organs work together to support respiration (breathing), blood circulation, digestion, and immune function. Chest pain while breathing can feel like discomfort or pressure in the chest area that worsens with deep breathing. Depending on the underlying cause, this pain may vary in intensity and duration. You might also notice sharp, stabbing, dull, or squeezing sensations. Several underlying health conditions can contribute to chest pain when you breathe. Understanding these causes can help you know when to seek support from a healthcare provider. Muscle Strain A muscle strain in your chest often results from overdoing activities like lifting heavy objects or sudden movements. This strain causes sharp or dull chest pain that worsens when you take deep breaths or move a certain way. You might also feel tenderness and stiffness in that area. Resting, using ice packs, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like Advil (ibuprofen) can help. Anxiety Attack An anxiety attack can cause sudden and intense chest pain that might be mistaken for a heart attack. The pain often feels like a sharp or stabbing sensation. This can be accompanied by difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a feeling of impending doom. Anxiety attacks can be triggered by stress, trauma, or a history of panic attacks. Heart Attack A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that part of the heart muscle becomes damaged or dies. This can lead to intense chest pain, which often feels like a crushing or squeezing sensation and worsens with breathing. The pain might radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and lightheadedness. Asthma Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes your airways to become narrow and inflamed, leading to difficulty breathing and chest tightness. The pain often feels like tightness or pressure in the chest, which can be accompanied by wheezing. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and increased mucus production. Asthma can be triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, and respiratory infections. Costochondritis Costochondritis occurs when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone gets inflamed. It can happen after a respiratory infection (e.G., the common cold or flu) or from repetitive chest movements. The pain feels sharp and usually worsens when you breathe deeply, cough, or do physical activities. You might feel tenderness where your ribs and breastbone meet. Treatment involves using medications like Bayer (aspirin) or Advil (ibuprofen) to reduce inflammation. Applying heat or cold packs or gently stretching your torso can help keep your chest flexible and prevent stiffness. Pleurisy Pleurisy causes inflammation of the lining around your lungs, known as the pleura. It causes sharp chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply, cough, or sneeze. This condition often develops after a respiratory infection like pneumonia or the flu. Besides chest pain, you might have a fever and a dry cough. Treatment focuses on treating the infection with antibiotics (if it's bacterial) or anti-inflammatory medicines (if it's viral). If another underlying condition is causing pleurisy, the goal of treatment will be to treat the condition. Pain relievers like Advil (ibuprofen) and getting rest can help ease the discomfort. Pneumonia Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, causes symptoms like chest pain, cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. The chest pain associated with pneumonia can range from mild discomfort to sharp, stabbing sensations that worsen with deep breaths or coughing. Risk factors for pneumonia include weakened immune systems, chronic lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and smoking. Treatment involves antibiotics, rest, hydration, and OTC pain relievers to manage symptoms. Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous (IV) antibiotics and supportive care. Pulmonary Embolism A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, causing a sudden onset of severe chest pain that gets much worse with breathing in. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. In addition to chest pain, symptoms may include shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and coughing up blood. Risk factors for PE include prolonged immobility, pregnancy, smoking, or other medical conditions like heart or lung disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Treatments like anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications) to dissolve the clot, thrombolytic therapy to break up the clot in severe cases, and supportive care in a hospital setting can help you feel better. Pericarditis Pericarditis causes inflammation of the pericardium (the sac around the heart). This condition leads to sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, lying down, or swallowing. However, the pain can sometimes go away by sitting up or leaning forward. Common causes of pericarditis include viral infections, autoimmune disorders, or complications following a heart attack. Treatments like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and rest can help improve symptoms. While these conditions are less common causes of chest pain while breathing, the following may still cause discomfort in your chest as you breathe: Pulmonary hypertension: High blood pressure in the lungs that causes chest pain that worsens with exertion or deep breathing Tietze syndrome: A rare condition that causes swelling in the rib cartilage, leading to sharp chest pain, which may be aggravated by deep breathing or physical activity Rib fracture: A fracture or broken rib caused by trauma to the rib, resulting in sharp pain that worsens when you breathe, cough, or move Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A digestive disorder that causes burning chest pain that worsens when you lie down or after you eat If you're experiencing chest pain while breathing, it's important to see a healthcare provider. However, you should seek immediate care if you experience any of the following symptoms in addition to chest pain: Pain that persists for more than a few days Severe or intense discomfort Difficulty breathing Chest pain that occurs alongside arm or jaw pain Sweating Nausea or vomiting Dizziness Rapid or irregular heart rate When you see a healthcare provider about your chest pain, they'll thoroughly evaluate you. This evaluation will likely include taking your medical history, asking about your symptoms, learning if you've had any recent illnesses or injuries, and checking your body for physical signs of pain, tenderness, and swelling. In many cases, healthcare providers also order other diagnostic tests to help them understand your pain's underlying cause. These include: Electrocardiogram (EKG): Checks for heart-related issues Chest X-ray: Detects abnormalities in the lungs, heart, or chest wall Computed tomography (CT) scan: Provides detailed images to detect lung conditions or abnormalities in the chest Pulmonary function test: Measures lung capacity and function Blood test: Looks for signs of infection, inflammation, or cardiac enzymes Endoscopy: Views the inside of the esophagus and stomach to diagnose GERD or other gastrointestinal conditions Depending on initial findings, your primary care provider may refer you to a cardiologist for heart problems, a pulmonologist for lung conditions, or a gastroenterologist for digestive disorders. In emergency cases, your provider may send you to an emergency doctor or surgeon. While chest pain can be uncomfortable, several treatments are available to help improve your symptoms. Your exact treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your pain and the severity of your condition. However, before you start home remedies, it's best to check in with your provider to learn if they're safe for you. Consider the following options. Cause of Chest Pain Treatment Options  Muscle strain or costochondritis Rest, NSAIDs, heat compress, and ice packs Pleurisy NSAIDs for inflammation and antibiotics for infection Pneumonia Antibiotics, rest, and hydration Pulmonary embolism Blood thinners or surgery to remove clots GERD Antacid medications and weight management Heart conditions Medications or surgery, depending on the exact heart disease Chest pain that occurs when you breathe can be worrisome. While not always a cause for concern, it's important to see a healthcare provider if you're experiencing chest pain. Underlying conditions like asthma, heart attacks, and a blood clot in the lungs can all cause chest pain when you breathe. Treatments are available, but the remedies that are right for you will depend on what's causing your chest pain and the overall severity of your condition. Thanks for your feedback! 25 Sources Health.Com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. MedlinePlus. Chest pain. Stoddard N, Heil JR, Lowery DR. Anatomy, Thorax, Mediastinum. In: StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Singh S, Heard M, Pester JM, Angus LD. Blunt Cardiac Injury. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. MedlinePlus. Muscles strain treatment. National Institute of Mental Health. Panic disorder: When fear overwhelms. American Heart Association. Warning sign of a heart attack. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Asthma attack. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma signs and symptoms. Schumann JA, Sood T, Parente JJ. Costochondritis. In: StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024. MedlinePlus. Pleural disorders. MedlinePlus. Pleurisy. American Lung Association. Pneumonia symptoms and diagnosis. American Lung Association. Pneumonia treatment and recovery. American Lung Association. Pulmonary embolism symptoms and diagnosis. American Lung Association. Learn about pulmonary embolism. MedlinePlus. Pulmonary embolism. American Heart Association. Symptoms and diagnosis of pericarditis. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Pericarditis. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. What is pulmonary hypertension?. Rosenberg M, Sina RE, Conermann T. Tietze Syndrome. In: StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Kuo K, Kim AM. Rib Fracture. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diagnosis of GER and GERD. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Coronary heart disease diagnosis. MedlinePlus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. American Heart Association. Heart attack treatment.

Economic Burden In PAH Mainly Due To Treatment, Hospital Costs

Healthcare costs were found to be more than eight times higher for people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) compared with patients without the disease in a real-world study — which contributed to the greater economic burden seen for those being treated for PAH.

These costs were mainly driven by expenses in PAH medications and hospitalizations, which increased significantly in the last months of patients' lives, according to the study, led by scientists from Merck & Co. And IQVIA, a clinical research services company.

Overall, higher costs were primarily related to hospitalizations, indicating a higher care burden.

"The findings from this study suggest that PAH imposes substantial economic burden on the US healthcare system," the researchers wrote.

"Whether better management of the underlying disease, through improvements in time to diagnosis, adherence to treatment guidelines, or use of next‐generation medications in patients might help abrogate these costs warrants further consideration," the team added.

The study, "Excess healthcare resource utilization and costs for commercially insured patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: A real-world data analysis," was published in Pulmonary Circulation. It was funded by a Merck & Co. Subsidiary.

Investigating the economic burden of PAH in the US

PAH is a type of pulmonary hypertension (PH) characterized by the narrowing of the pulmonary arteries. These blood vessels transport blood through the lungs, and such narrowing restricts blood flow and causes high blood pressure, known as hypertension.

In the U.S., the disease has been estimated to affect 109 patients per million adults ages 19-64, and 451 patients per million adults 65 and older. PAH has been associated with a substantial economic burden, at least in part due to delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation.

To estimate the real-world burden of the disease, scientists from the two companies, along with a researcher from Inova Fairfax Hospital, in Virginia, compared healthcare resource utilization and associated costs in commercially insured PAH patients to matched patients without PH. The team also explored the disease burden in PAH patients near the end of life. For that, they analyzed data from a health plan database in the U.S.

A total of 386 adults with PAH and 3,669,925 without any form of PH were identified as being treated between October 2014 and May 2020, or through March 2022 for end-of-life patients.

Overall, those with PAH were older than the group without PH (mean age 50.9 vs. 42.5 years), and had a higher mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score (1.9 vs. 0.3). That score is an indication of mortality risk and the severity of comorbidities, or coexisting conditions. Also, the PAH patients had a higher frequency of lung infections (25.9% vs. 9.1 %).

The average healthcare costs were found to be significantly higher for those with PAH, with a mean healthcare cost of $2,914 per patient per month versus $297.

Next, the total group of PAH patients was matched to the same number of patients without PH, based on age, sex, payer type, plan type, CCI score, cardiovascular disorders, and other demographic and clinical characteristics.

As expected, shortness of breath, a PAH hallmark, was more common among PAH patients than those without PH, with rates of 67.6% versus 22.5%. Other issues also occurred more frequently among the PAH patients relative to those without the condition, including lung swelling, found in 4.9% versus 2.1%, coronary heart disease — when the heart arteries cannot deliver enough oxygen to the heart — as seen in 21.2% versus 16.1%, and alcohol-related disorders, seen for 6% versus 2.1%.

In contrast, hypertension (59.1% vs. 65.5%) and obesity (71.2% vs. 80.4%) were less frequent in the PAH group. Mean healthcare costs also remained higher in the PAH group ($3,069 vs. $1,571 per patient per month).

Total healthcare costs average $180K vs. $20K, per study

Patients were followed up to a median of 22.9 months or almost two years in the PAH group, and for slightly less time, 21.5 months, in the non-PH group. During follow-up, PAH patients had a higher rate of medical service use, including hospitalization — about 18% were hospitalized at least once in a year — and visits to the emergency department or as outpatients.

The risk of hospitalization due to any cause was almost seven times higher among PAH patients. This group's median length of hospital stay (6.7 vs. 2.4 days) also was longer than that of non-PAH patients.

Total healthcare costs were more than eight times higher in PAH patients ($183,616 vs. $20,212). These were mainly due to pharmacy costs ($115,926 vs. $7,862), which were 14 times higher in these patients and accounted for 63.1% of all costs. Hospitalizations were associated with 20% of all costs.

The study findings indicate substantial [healthcare resource utilization] and costs for PAH. While pharmacy costs were one of the major sources, hospitalization was the primary driver for [end of life]-related costs.

Among 28 patients who had died, 60.7% had at least one hospitalization within 30 days of death. That percentage was higher (82.1%) when considering six months before death.

Their mean healthcare costs per patient were $48,846 in the month before death, and $167,524 when looking at the six months before these individuals died. Hospitalizations were the main driver of these costs.

"The study findings indicate substantial [healthcare resource utilization] and costs for PAH. While pharmacy costs were one of the major sources, hospitalization was the primary driver for [end of life]-related costs," the researchers wrote.

According to the team, this "retrospective database study provides a contemporary estimate of the economic burden of patients with PAH compared to patients without PH."

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