"Silent" heart attacks also known as unrecognized myocardial infarctions are reported to be more common and lethal than suspected.
Specific changes on the electrocardiogram such as the presence of a Q-wave, a marker for damaged tissue, helps physicians detect whether or not an individual has experienced a cardiac event.
As for silent heart attacks, however, Q-waves are not always reported, making the diagnosis difficult.
Chest pain, the typical sign of heart attack, is not commonly reported in this type of heart attack. Vague associating symptoms such as shortness of breath or heartburn commonly reported in these patients therefore are not assumed serious by patients and even physicians.
A new imaging technology has recently authorized scientists to calculate the prevalence of non-Q-wave heart attacks; a new study reports a large number of individuals suffer from this condition.
According to a study published in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS Medicine, delayed enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance is an accurate tool for detecting damaged heart tissue and therefore silent heart attacks.
Non-Q-wave heart attacks are three times more common than silent heart attacks with Q-waves.
Individuals suffering from such cardiac events are reported to be at an 11-fold higher risk of dying from any cause. These individuals are also at a 17-fold increased risk of death from future heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms, and other heart-related diseases.
Scientists hope to conduct more studies to identify the best way to treat these patients.
source press tv