Symptoms of heart attack in diabetics are not usually noticed – Medical doctor

A medical expert is raising concerns about the growing risk of “silent” heart attacks among people living with diabetes, warning that many cases go undetected due to the absence of the classic chest pain.

According to Dr. Richard Owusu Nyarko, a medical doctor and academic researcher, public understanding of heart attacks is often misleading. Many people associate the condition strictly with severe chest pain, but in reality, symptoms can be far less obvious especially in diabetic patients.

Medically known as Myocardial Infarction, a heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually due to the buildup of fat and cholesterol in the arteries. This blockage can severely damage the heart muscle if not treated promptly.

However, for individuals with Diabetes Mellitus, the situation can be more dangerous. Dr. Nyarko explains that diabetes can damage nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals; a condition known as Diabetic Neuropathy. As a result, patients may not experience the typical warning signs of a heart attack.

Instead of chest pain, diabetics may experience subtle symptoms such as breathlessness, unusual fatigue, nausea, excessive sweating, or discomfort in the jaw, arm, or back. These symptoms are often overlooked, delaying critical medical intervention.

The condition is further complicated by Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy, where damage to the autonomic nerves weakens the body’s ability to signal distress. This makes it easier for heart attacks to occur without noticeable warning signs.

Additionally, prolonged high blood sugar levels can accelerate Atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of blocked arteries and heart complications.

Dr. Nyarko is urging people living with diabetes to be vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any unusual symptoms, even in the absence of chest pain. He emphasizes that early detection and treatment remain the most effective ways to prevent severe complications or death.

Source: 3news.com