Not all chest pain means a heart attack. Sometimes, it can be an aortic aneurysm—a condition that is often called a “silent killer.” Early symptoms of an aortic aneurysm can closely resemble those of a heart attack, making quick recognition and medical attention critical. Misdiagnosis can delay life-saving treatment and even worsen outcomes.
An aortic aneurysm is a weakened, bulging section in the wall of the aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It can occur in the chest (thoracic) or the abdomen (abdominal), with abdominal aneurysms being more common. Many people do not experience noticeable symptoms at first.
However, if the aneurysm bursts or tears (a condition called dissection), it can cause internal bleeding and sudden, severe chest or back pain. This may feel like a sharp, tearing, or ripping sensation and sometimes radiates to the abdomen, legs, or between the shoulder blades. Breathing difficulties, fainting, or stroke-like symptoms may also occur if blood flow to vital organs is blocked.
Studies show that nearly one in three patients with an aortic dissection is initially misdiagnosed, often as having a heart attack. This is dangerous because treatments like blood thinners used for heart attacks can worsen bleeding from an aneurysm. Unequal pulse or blood pressure between the left and right arm is another warning sign that the problem may be an aortic aneurysm rather than a heart attack.
Quick tests like CT angiography or echocardiography can help detect the condition early. Recognizing the subtle differences between a heart attack and an aortic aneurysm can save lives.
Many serious illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, develop silently over years. Often, people do not notice any symptoms until a serious event occurs, like a heart attack, stroke, or organ failure. Genetic profiling is helping to change this by identifying hidden health risks early, even before any symptoms appear.
Genetic profiling involves a simple DNA test that looks for genetic markers linked to specific diseases. This allows individuals to understand their risk of developing certain conditions and take preventive action through lifestyle changes, diet, or regular monitoring.
For example, hypertension is known as a “silent killer” because most people do not have symptoms early on. Genetic tests can predict high blood pressure risks, as genes play a large role in this condition. Similarly, cardiovascular diseases often go unnoticed until a severe incident occurs. Genetic profiling can detect a person’s predisposition to heart disease decades in advance, allowing preventive steps to reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
High cholesterol is another condition that can remain undiagnosed for years, especially in familial cases where it is genetically inherited. Genetic tests can identify these risks early, helping people manage their cholesterol levels before complications develop.
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Type 2 diabetes is usually silent in its early stages. Many people remain unaware they are pre-diabetic until symptoms appear, but genetic testing can reveal the risk early. This allows lifestyle adjustments to prevent or delay the disease.
Certain cancers, such as ovarian, cervical, and pancreatic cancers, also develop quietly and are often detected late. Genetic profiling can identify mutations like TP53, BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2, which increase the risk for these cancers. Early knowledge of genetic risk can lead to preventive screenings, monitoring, and lifestyle changes that significantly improve outcomes.
Modern genomic tools like Eplimo offer comprehensive risk assessment for hundreds of lifestyle and genetic diseases in one test. They can provide personalized recommendations for diet, exercise, supplements, and other lifestyle modifications to reduce risks and maintain overall health.
Both aortic aneurysms and silent diseases like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers highlight the importance of awareness and early detection. Recognizing subtle symptoms, seeking timely medical care, and using tools like genetic profiling can prevent serious health crises.
By understanding personal health risks—whether through observing warning signs of chest pain or learning about genetic predispositions—people can take proactive steps. Lifestyle changes, regular monitoring, and timely medical intervention can save lives and improve long-term health outcomes.
In short, being informed about your body, paying attention to symptoms, and using modern medical tools are essential steps in preventing fatal diseases before they strike.
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