Health
It’s Not Just Reflux � Could You Be Having a Mini Heart Attack?
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. Over four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes where one third occur prematurely in people of younger age below 70[1].
Despite this, many young adults tend to ignore early warning signs, assuming they are too young to develop heart issues, according to Dr Lim Chiao Wen, Consultant Cardiologist, Electrophysiologist and Internal Medicine Physician at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV).
This trend is especially worrying as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and poor lifestyle habits are becoming increasingly prevalent among younger population, making early awareness and timely detection more critical than ever � particularly when it comes to recognising the early signs of what many refer to as a “mini heart attack�.
Understanding Mini Heart Attacks & Recognising Symptoms
The term “mini heart attack� is commonly used to describe less severe forms of heart attacks, such as unstable angina and Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI). Unstable angina occurs when the heart receives insufficient blood due to partially blocked arteries, causing chest pain but without permanent damage. NSTEMI, on the other hand, involves actual heart muscle injury, although less extensive than a full-blown heart attack (STEMI), which results from a complete artery blockage and requires emergency intervention.
Common symptoms of a mini heart attack include chest discomfort, breathlessness, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and pain that may radiate to the jaw, neck, arms or back. “The subtle symptoms of a mini heart attack that many tend to ignore include mild chest discomfort, breathlessness, and fatigue,� says Dr Lim. “These symptoms are often dismissed because they can be caused by many everyday factors such as stress, lack of sleep, or even indigestion.� She explains that identifying a mini heart attack can be difficult without medical assessment, as symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for gastric issues or heartburn.
Who is at Risk of Mini Heart Attacks?
Smoking and vaping continue to be major contributors to heart disease, as they cause inflammation, thicken the blood, and encourage clot formation that can restrict blood flow to the heart. High consumption of fried foods, sugary drinks, and processed meats, alongside the practice of reusing cooking oil, has been linked to elevated cholesterol levels and plaque buildup in arteries.
While lifestyle and chronic conditions are well-known risk factors, there are also misconceptions about gender and heart disease. Dr Lim clarifies the belief that post-menopausal women are more susceptible to heart disease, stating, “Pre-menopausal women have a lower risk due to the protective effects of oestrogen. However, after menopause, when oestrogen levels decline, women face the same risk as men�.
Managing and Preventing Mini Heart Attacks
Mini heart attacks can recur if the underlying risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyles, are not well managed. Dr Lim explains that these conditions can continue to damage the arteries over time, increasing the likelihood of repeated episodes or even a more severe heart attack.
Treatment typically involves a combination of medications and procedures to restore proper blood flow and reduce future risk. Antiplatelet drugs and blood thinners are commonly prescribed, while more serious cases may require procedures such as angioplasty. However, medical treatment alone is not enough. Dr Lim emphasises the importance of pairing it with lasting lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, stress management, and careful control of blood pressure and cholesterol.
