When we think of a heart attack, we often imagine someone clutching their chest in extreme pain before collapsing. But not all heart attacks look like this. In fact, many people experience what's known as a silent heart attack—where symptoms are mild, unusual, or completely absent.
Despite being "silent," these heart attacks are just as dangerous as traditional ones, causing long-term damage to the heart. Understanding the silent symptoms of a heart attack is key to early detection and prevention.
At Private Medical Clinic, we offer comprehensive heart health assessments to help detect heart problems before they become life-threatening.
A silent heart attack (silent myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, damaging the heart muscle without the typical severe chest pain. The symptoms can be vague or mistaken for something else—like indigestion, flu, or tiredness.
Because these heart attacks often go unnoticed, they can lead to complications such as heart failure, stroke, or future heart attacks.
At Private Medical Clinic, we recommend preventative heart screenings, particularly if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
The signs of a silent heart attack can be subtle and easy to ignore. Watch out for:
Mild pressure, tightness, or a dull ache in the chest—often mistaken for heartburn or muscle strain.
Feeling out of breath during simple activities (like walking upstairs) or experiencing sudden dizziness could be a sign of poor heart function.
Unexplained nausea, vomiting, or cold sweats can indicate heart distress, even without chest pain.
Pain in the jaw, back, shoulders, arms, or stomach can be a warning sign, especially if it comes and goes.
Feeling unusually exhausted—even after resting—may signal that your heart is struggling to pump blood properly.
Like any heart attack, a silent heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. This is usually caused by:
Regular heart check-ups can help detect these issues early. At Private Medical Clinic, we offer private cardiology consultations to assess your heart health.
Certain factors increase your risk of a silent heart attack, including:
Women and people with diabetes often experience more subtle symptoms, making early detection even more critical.
If you have these risk factors, consider booking a heart risk assessment at our clinic.
Because silent heart attacks don't always cause noticeable symptoms, they are often diagnosed weeks or months later through medical tests.
Taking proactive steps can reduce your risk of a silent heart attack:
✔ Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes per week)
✔ Eat a heart-healthy diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains)
✔ Quit smoking (reduces heart disease risk significantly)
✔ Manage stress (through meditation or relaxation techniques)
✔ Control blood pressure & cholesterol (with regular check-ups)
✔ Monitor blood sugar levels (especially for diabetics)
Our private doctors can help you develop a personalised plan to maintain a healthy heart.
Yes. 1 in 5 heart attacks is silent, meaning people may not realise they had one until later.
A doctor can confirm it through an ECG, blood tests, or an echocardiogram if you experience unexplained fatigue, breathlessness, or discomfort.
Seek immediate medical attention. Even mild symptoms can indicate heart damage.
Yes. If left untreated, it can lead to heart failure, stroke, or another (more severe) heart attack.
By staying active, eating well, managing stress, and getting regular heart screenings. Book a preventative heart check-up today.
A silent heart attack is just as dangerous as a traditional one, even if the symptoms seem mild. Listen to your body, know the warning signs, and take action early.
For private heart screenings, GP consultations, and expert cardiology services, visit Private Medical Clinic. Your heart health matters—don't ignore the signs!
Dr. Ibrahim Mutlib (BMBS, BMedSci) is an experienced GP with specialist interests in mental health, gastrointestinal health, and respiratory medicine. A clinical leader and published author, he is passionate about innovative, patient-centred care that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.
