Cardiologist explains how to recognise a silent heart attack before it is too late

A silent heart attack can be one of the most dangerous health problems because it often comes without clear warning signs. Many people don’t even realise that their heart is in trouble until it is too late. Cardiologist Dr. Bimal Chhajer, a heart specialist known for his work in non-invasive cardiology, has shared important information about how to recognise the signs before a major attack happens.

In a blog post titled “Recognising Pre-Heart Attack Symptoms: What Your Body Is Telling You”, published on his website Saaol.com, Dr. Chhajer explained that silent heart attacks may have very mild or even no symptoms. Because of this, people often do not seek medical help in time. This delay can cause serious damage to the heart and increase the chances of future problems.

According to Dr. Chhajer, heart disease is one of the top causes of death around the world. But he believes that most heart attacks can be prevented if people learn to listen to their bodies and take action early. The heart usually gives warning signs before a major attack, and knowing these signs can help save lives.

Dr. Chhajer explained that a “pre-heart attack,” also known as unstable angina, happens when the heart does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. This occurs because the coronary arteries — the blood vessels that supply the heart — become narrow or partially blocked by plaque buildup. If ignored, this condition can quickly turn into a full heart attack.

He listed several common symptoms that people should never ignore. These include chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the arms, neck, jaw, or back, shortness of breath, and unusual tiredness. Some people may also feel dizzy, sweat heavily, or feel sick to their stomach. These signs might appear suddenly and disappear after a while, but that does not mean the problem has gone away. Dr. Chhajer warned that these early symptoms could return anytime and lead to a severe heart attack.

The cardiologist said that silent heart attacks can be even more dangerous because the signs are so mild that people often mistake them for normal tiredness, stress, or indigestion. Ignoring them gives the disease time to get worse. By the time people visit a doctor, the damage may already be serious.

Dr. Chhajer encouraged everyone to take even small warning signs seriously. “Never ignore chest pain, fatigue, or discomfort in your body. Your heart often gives signals before a major event,” he said. “Recognising these early symptoms and acting fast can save your life.”

He added that living a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce the risk of a heart attack. This includes eating nutritious food, avoiding junk and oily meals, exercising regularly, managing stress, and not smoking. Regular health checkups are also important, especially for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart problems.

Doctors agree that early treatment makes a big difference. If someone experiences chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or feels pressure in the chest, they should seek medical help immediately. Quick treatment can prevent long-term heart damage and even save a person’s life.

Dr. Chhajer’s message serves as a reminder that heart problems often develop silently over time. By paying attention to small changes in your body and not ignoring discomfort, you can catch problems early and protect your heart.