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Heart Health

The danger of a "silent" heart attack

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
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So-called silent heart attacks (marked by unexplained weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, or nausea) often go unrecognized. But they may be almost as concerning as regular heart attacks and have been linked to a higher risk of stroke. Some of this heightened stroke risk stems from shared risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels. But heart attacks can also damage the heart’s lower chambers. This may prevent the heart from contracting normally, which can lead to formation of a clot that then travels to the brain, causing a stroke.

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About the Author

photo of Julie Corliss

Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter

Julie Corliss has been the executive editor of the Harvard Heart Letter since 2013. She also writes for the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Women’s Health Watch, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch, as well as for Harvard … See Full Bio
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