Written By: Muskan Gupta | Published : August 7, 2025 7:35 AM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Col (Prof) Subroto Kumar Datta, Consultant- Interventional Cardiology and Electrophysiology, Manipal Hospital Dwarka
It is a popular myth that all heart attacks present with dramatic chest pain and collapse, but many happen silently or with symptoms so subtle that they are often missed. This is normally the case in a heart condition known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that 1 in 20 adults aged 20 and older have CAD. Given the high prevalence, understanding the link between silent heart attacks and artery disease becomes essential not just for early detection but for survival as well.
According to Dr Col (Prof) Subroto Kumar Datta, Consultant Interventional Cardiology and Electrophysiology, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, "A traditional heart attack happens with symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, and discomfort in the upper body. On the other hand, a silent heart attack may not even feel like a heart attack at all. One might have mild symptoms like a sore muscle in the chest or upper back or an ache in the jaw or upper arms. These signs are so subtle that some people don't know they have had a heart attack until weeks or months later, when they are ultimately diagnosed with a cardiovascular issue."
He further added, "Similarly, a condition like pulmonary embolism (a clot in the lungs) can also present with silent symptoms. If a patient faints or experiences an unexplained collapse, immediate medical attention must be sought."
Many times, cardiac chest pain may mimic gastric or lung conditions. For instance, gastric burning or reflux of food typically points toward gastric disease. Coughing with sputum, fever, or pain while taking a deep breath may indicate lung or pleural disease. Similarly, anxiety or panic attacks can cause symptoms like suffocation, palpitations, and faintness, which can be mistaken for a heart attack. Proper diagnosis is crucial to determine the real cause of the symptoms.
Another common health problem is anaemia, which can reflect symptoms similar to heart disease. People with anaemia often experience breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, and poor effort tolerance, which can easily be mistaken for signs of CAD. When the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin, the heart has to work harder to supply oxygen to the body, putting additional strain on the cardiovascular system. This overlap in symptoms makes timely diagnosis all the more critical.
Certain individuals are more vulnerable to silent or sudden heart attacks, especially those with underlying conditions.
These signs should not be ignored, no matter how subtle they might seem. If left undiagnosed, coronary artery disease can cause complications and even turn fatal. In advanced stages, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery is used to create a new pathway for blood to flow around the blocked arteries. While it can be lifesaving, the goal should always be to detect CAD early and take prompt action for its management. Listening to the body, differentiating symptoms carefully, and acting on even mild signs can make all the difference.
