Friday, January 29, 2010

Silent heart attack

These are the deadliest. Doctors would tell you this is by far the most damaging myocardial infarction (AMI or MI). Twice as many people die from a silent heart attack as compared to those that experienced a myocardial infarction with chest pain.
But some don’t die…they just live afresh.

It often happens unannounced, around the unlikeliest person, in the safest environment, when you least expect it or even want it. It creeps up with everyday meetings, builds up with inane jokes and laughter, gathers force in comfortable glances, and explodes in ordinary settings.

You very often miss it, even dismiss it.
It’s mistaken for other afflictions like camaraderie, comfort levels, even friendships. But soon others warn you, they can see the symptoms, a happy air, flushed cheeks, a spring in the step. They can feel the temperatures rising; they can hear the heartbeats racing, and see the erratic scratchings of the ECG.

Then you suspect it. And try hard to justify it… ‘it can’t be, I’m not so weak’ ‘I practice self control every day’!!!

Finding out that your heart is seriously damaged because you did not act right after a silent attack can be devastating.