How a heart attack can look different in older adults

The symptoms of a heart attack can differ significantly in older adults compared to younger individuals. Dr. Aseem Dhall, Director & Head of Cardiac Sciences at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, explains that older adults may exhibit less typical signs of a heart attack, which can easily be mistaken for normal signs of aging. These symptoms may include unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath during routine activities, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, unusual sweating, confusion, or weakness in various parts of the body such as the jaw, neck, back, shoulder, or arms.

These subtle changes can be particularly difficult to detect, especially if there is no obvious chest pain, which is the classic symptom most people associate with a heart attack. Dr. Dhall stresses that sudden or unexplained symptoms should not be ignored in older adults, as early medical evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of potential heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or abnormal heart rhythms.