Diabetes can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and in some cases, even a heart attack can occur without the usual chest pain. This condition, known as a silent heart attack, may be diagnosed late because of few or no obvious symptoms and can have serious consequences for heart health.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a silent heart attack may occur with very mild symptoms or even without the typical signs of a heart attack. In this situation, a person may not have severe chest pain or noticeable shortness of breath, while blood flow to part of the heart is impaired.
Why does diabetes increase the risk of a silent heart attack?
One important reason for the increased risk of silent heart attack in people with diabetes is nerve damage caused by the disease. Diabetes can damage various nerves in the body, including those involved in transmitting pain sensations. As a result, the body may not be able to properly feel or transmit some cardiac warning signs.
For this reason, heart attack symptoms in people with diabetes do not always appear as severe chest pain. For example, instead of definite chest pain, a person may experience symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or mild pain in the neck and back.
Although having diabetes increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, it does not mean heart disease is inevitable. Controlling risk factors and paying attention to unusual symptoms can play an important role in prevention and early diagnosis of heart problems.
Recognize the symptoms of a silent heart attack
The absence of chest pain does not mean the heart is in good condition. Some unusual symptoms may be the only sign of a serious heart problem. The most important symptoms to watch for include:
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Cold sweat without an obvious cause
• Unusual or severe fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain or pressure in the shoulder
• Pain in the arm
• Pain in the back or neck
• Chest pain or pressure, if present
In people with diabetes or those at risk for cardiovascular disease, even mild and unusual symptoms should not be ignored.
The absence of chest pain does not mean there is no heart problem
Silent cardiac ischemia can occur without producing obvious symptoms. In this condition, blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart muscle decrease and in some cases may ultimately lead to a heart attack.
Therefore, waiting for severe chest pain to occur before seeking medical attention, especially for high-risk individuals, is not an appropriate approach. Diagnosing heart problems may require reviewing medical history, examination, and tests such as an electrocardiogram and other diagnostic evaluations.
If a person experiences sudden shortness of breath, cold sweat, chest pain or pressure, pain in the arm or jaw, or severe dizziness, they should seek medical help immediately. Such symptoms can indicate an emergency condition.
How can we reduce the risk of a silent heart attack?
Preventing heart problems in people with diabetes is not limited to blood sugar control alone. Comprehensive management of cardiovascular risk factors is very important.
Regular measurement and control of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight, quitting smoking, having regular physical activity, and following a healthy diet are among the most important measures that can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Ultimately, diabetes can increase the likelihood of heart problems as well as heart attacks without classic symptoms. For this reason, recognizing unusual signs and regularly monitoring heart health, especially in high-risk individuals, is very important.