Many people only think of a heart attack when they have severe chest pain. The problem is that when people wait until that symptom arises, it may be too late. The truth is that many people have silent symptoms of a heart attack. This means the symptoms aren’t obvious like chest pain is, however, they can still signal a heart attack. If your elderly loved one has any of these symptoms, you should get them medical attention.

Unsual Fatigue

One of the silent symptoms of heart attack is unusual fatigue. Many people who have a heart problem will feel lethargic. The reason for the lethargy is because blood flow is restricted. This puts extra stress on the body and can show up as exhaustion. If your elderly loved one is just tired because they didn’t get enough sleep, that is different. However, if they suddenly feet extreme fatigue, that could mean they are having a heart attack. If this is happening and you or a home care provider is with your elderly loved one, be sure to contact emergency medical personnel.

Watch for Pain in the Shoulders, Back, or Arms

Many people look for chest pain as the sign of a heart attack. While some people do have chest pain when they are having a heart attack, others don’t have any pain in their chest. However, they may have pain in their shoulders, back, or arms. Some people have pain in these areas and their chest. If your elderly loved one suddenly has shoulder, back, or arm pain, it is important to consider a heart attack. It is also important to note that the pain can come and go or happen gradually.

Shortness of Breath

If your elderly loved one is experiencing shortness of breath, this could mean they are having a heart attack, as well. Generally, with a heart attack, the person will be out of breath suddenly. If the person is only short of breath after an activity, that doesn’t mean they are having a heart attack.

Conclusion

These are some of the silent symptoms of a heart attack. Your elderly loved one may have all of these symptoms, along with chest pain. They may just have a few of these symptoms or just one of them.

If you, a home care provider, or your elderly loved one ever thinks your loved one is having a heart attack, it is best to have it checked out.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care in Mauldin, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116. Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.

Sources

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-danger-of-silent-heart-attacks#:~:text=They%20are%20described%20as%20%22silent,breath%3B%20sweating%2C%20and%20dizziness.

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Edward Harrison

Founder at Heart of the Carolinas

Edward Harrison founded the Heart of the Carolinas Homecare in 2007 when he saw there was a need for caregivers that provide non-medical home care services, at a price that most people could afford. It was standard in the industry to require hourly minimums and it was common to be assigned a caregiver, not matched with one based on your individual personal needs. Edward understood that to make a successful relationship between caregiver and client, skills were not enough, personality and compatibility plays as much a role as do skills.

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