Write an article about Could you be having a mini heart attack? .Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), Retain any existing tags from Many younger adults tend to ignore early warning signs of a heart attack, wrongly assuming they are too young to be at risk. (Envato Elements pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: A major health concern in Malaysia, ischaemic heart diseases account for about 15% of all medically certified deaths in the country.
Worryingly, Malaysians experience heart attacks at an average age of 58 – nearly eight years younger than the global average. Despite this, many younger adults tend to ignore early warning signs, wrongly assuming they are too young to be at risk.
Consultant cardiologist Dr Lim Chiao Wen warns that delays in recognising symptoms often result in missed opportunities for early intervention, especially as non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are increasingly affecting younger Malaysians.
“Early awareness and timely detection are more important than ever, particularly when it comes to recognising the signs of what many call a ‘mini heart attack’,” she said.
The term is commonly used to describe milder 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, leading to chest pain but no permanent damage. NSTEMI, on the other hand, involves injury to the heart muscle, although less severe than a full heart attack, which is caused by a complete artery blockage.
Common symptoms include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and pain that may radiate to the jaw, neck, arms or back. “These symptoms are often dismissed because they can be mistaken for stress, indigestion, or lack of sleep,” Lim noted.
She warned that even a mild attack means blood flow to the heart has been temporarily blocked, which can cause lasting damage to heart tissue.
When oxygen supply is interrupted, even briefly, the affected tissue may become scarred, weakening the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Over time, this could lead to chronic conditions such as heart failure, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia), or reduced circulation to key organs.
Smoking and vaping are among activities that could contribute towards heart disease.
According to Lim, studies have shown that up to 50% of people who experience a major heart attack had previously suffered undetected mini heart attacks.
A separate report by CNN found that 42.4% of individuals who died of sudden cardiac arrest, without prior diagnosis of heart disease, had evidence of a previous silent heart attack.
Those with diabetes or who are older are at higher risk and may not show classic symptoms, making detection more difficult.
As for major contributors to heart disease, Lim highlighted smoking and vaping, which can trigger inflammation, thicken the blood, and encourage clot formation that can restrict blood flow to the heart.
According to the health ministry, 19% of Malaysians aged 15 and above are smokers, with vaping rates increasing to 5.8% in 2023. These habits significantly raise the risk of heart complications.
Dietary choices also play a critical role. High consumption of fried foods, sugary drinks and processed meats, along with the common practice of reusing cooking oil, leads to elevated cholesterol levels and plaque buildup in the arteries.
Dr Lim Chiao Wen.
Combined with sedentary lifestyles and rising obesity rates, these behaviours place additional strain on the heart, particularly for those with underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Lim further addressed common gender misconceptions, noting that although oestrogen provides some protection to pre-menopausal women, the risk of heart disease becomes equal after menopause.
Women may also experience less typical symptoms, such as fatigue or nausea, making early detection more difficult.
She said without managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and diabetes, mini heart attacks may recur or escalate.
A combination of medication, possible medical procedures and sustainable lifestyle changes is essential for long-term prevention and heart health.
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