“These so-called ‘silent’ heart attacks don’t always present with the typical crushing chest pain,” says Dr Jagadesh Madireddi, consultant cardiologist at Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, adding, “Instead, patients may complain of back pain, jaw discomfort, abdominal pain, or even mild shoulder soreness. Because these signs are vague, they’re often dismissed as acidity, stress, or fatigue — until it’s too late.”
Patients that are elderly, female, or suffer from diabetes have a higher risk.“Women frequently present atypical symptoms, while patients with diabetes may not experience any chest pain due to the nerve damage. Patients that are older may decide that breathlessness or indigestion are merely sensations of age or part of their lifestyle and do not recognise that they are experiencing a phenomenon of a true cardiac event,” explains Dr Jagadesh.
This makes awareness critical. Subtle symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath — particularly in high-risk groups — should not be ignored. Modern diagnostic tools such as ECGs, troponin tests, and echocardiograms are effective, but they depend heavily on timely use.
“The challenge is that unless patients report their unusual symptoms early, doctors may miss the first signs. That’s why people at risk should prioritise regular check-ups and never dismiss minor discomforts,” informs Dr Jagadesh.
Tips for a Healthy Heart:
- Use oils rich in unsaturated fats — mustard, groundnut, rice bran
- Rotate oils instead of sticking to just one
- Avoid repeatedly reusing fried oil — it generates harmful free radicals
- Quit vanaspati and cut down on palm oil
- A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and fiber — oil alone won’t make or break heart health