Q. Why are silent heart attacks often missed in routine checkups for Indians under 40, and what medical tests should young people ask for during health screenings?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Why Are Silent Heart Attacks Often Missed in Routine Checkups for Indians Under 40, and What Medical Tests Should Young People Ask for During Health Screenings?
Why Silent Heart Attacks Are Missed:
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Lack of symptoms: Silent heart attacks show few or no clear symptoms like chest pain, making them easy to ignore.
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Misinterpreted signs: Mild symptoms like fatigue, indigestion, or slight discomfort are often confused with stress or acidity.
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Young age myth: Many believe heart issues affect only older adults, leading to negligence in younger people.
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Busy lifestyles: Young professionals often skip regular health checkups due to work pressure or time constraints.
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Routine tests are basic: Standard screenings may not include heart-specific tests unless there's a known risk factor.
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Low awareness: Many Indians under 40 are unaware of family history or hereditary risks of heart disease.
Medical Tests Young People Should Ask for:
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ECG (Electrocardiogram): Detects abnormal heart rhythms and past silent attacks.
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Echocardiogram: Shows heart function and structure.
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Lipid profile: Measures cholesterol levels — high levels increase heart risk.
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Blood sugar test: Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart problems.
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Blood pressure monitoring: Even young people can have high BP, increasing heart strain.
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High-sensitivity CRP test: Detects inflammation that could signal heart risk.
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Treadmill/Stress test: Checks heart response under exertion.
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Coronary calcium scan (if at risk): Detects early signs of artery blockage.
Conclusion:
Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Be proactive about heart health — especially if you're under 40. To prevent future risks, understand why silent heart attacks are often missed in routine checkups for Indians under 40, and what medical tests should young people ask for during health screenings.
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