Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with one in every four deaths attributed to it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it does not discriminate gender as the rate is the same for both men and women. Of the different forms of heart disease, heart attack accounts for almost 750,000 cases, with over 500,000 affecting first-timers.

While government and private institutions are already disseminating information about this deadly disease, it seems that many are still not fully aware of its danger. Many also do not know how to identify a heart attack even if it’s happening to them or to someone in front of them.

Admittedly, it’s not always easy to spot one. We’ve gathered five silent signs of heart attack that shouldn’t be ignored.

1. Chest pain

When you start feeling tightness, pain or pressure in your chest area, you might already be having an attack. Some report it as a burning or pinching sensation, while others say it feels like there’s a heavy weight on their chest. The feeling typically takes a few minutes and can happen while you’re in the middle of physical activity or even when you’re at rest. If this happens and the discomfort does not subside after a few minutes, call 911 right away.

2. Lightheadedness or dizziness

If you suddenly feel faint or lose your balance, along with shortness of breath or some chest discomfort, it could be a sign of a heart attack. It might mean a drop in your blood pressure because the heart is not able to pump as well as it should. There are plenty of things that can make you feel both sensations, but never ignore it if it comes with chest pain.

3. You get easily fatigued

If you find yourself feeling exhausted more easily than usual, when you had no problem like that in the past, it’s best to see a doctor to have it checked right away. Unexplained exhaustion or tiredness that lasts for several days can be a sign of a heart problem, particularly if it happens in women.

4. Jaw or throat pain

Pain in the said areas by itself might not indicate a heart problem, as it could be caused by issues with your muscles or sinuses. But if the pain radiates from the middle of your chest, it could be a sign of an impending attack. Call 911 immediately.

5. Snoring

When you snore unusually loudly, in away that involves choking or gasping, it could indicate sleep apnea. This condition puts a stain on your heart and, over time, could lead to heart attack. It is recommended that you see a doctor right away to determine in you need to undergo an assessment to rule out different diseases. Some people with apnea are even required to wear a CPAP device while they sleep to manage the problem.

Other silent signs of a heart attack could also include suddenly breaking out in cold sweat for no apparent reason, pain that radiates to the arm, irregular heart beats, and swollen limbs. While these signs might not indicate heart disease, it’s still wise to get a checkup to ensure that you’re not heading towards a heart attack.

Heart
Cardiovascular disease is listed as the world’s number one killer, with 17.9 million dying from it in a year. Pictured: Jaime Luis Gomez, aka Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, and a cancer survivor, speaks during an interview with AFP on the eve of the World Cancer Leaders' Summit in Mexico City Getty Images/Pedro Pardo
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