Silent heart attacks are more common - and more dangerous - than most people realize. Unlike typical heart attacks, they don't come with crushing chest pain or dramatic collapse. Instead, doctors now say the earliest sign could be something as simple as mild discomfort or unexplained fatigue.

Medical experts warn that people often dismiss these symptoms, chalking them up to stress, indigestion, or lack of sleep. But this subtle tiredness, especially when paired with slight shortness of breath or light chest pressure, can indicate a silent heart attack. Because these signs are easy to ignore, many patients only find out they've had one after a routine ECG or during testing for unrelated issues.

Silent heart attacks can cause just as much damage to the heart as traditional ones. Doctors urge people - especially those over 40 or with risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure - not to take these early signs lightly.

When in doubt, get checked. Your heart might be trying to whisper before it screams.