What are the atypical symptoms of heart attack?

A 2017 study revealed that diabetics may not always feel the same classic heart attack symptom that non-diabetics do. Not only are the symptoms milder, but some diabetics don’t associate it with an impending heart attack. Instead of visiting their doctor, they ignore the symptoms. The longer they ignore the symptoms, the higher the risks of suffering from a heart attack.

Diabetics should be made aware of the atypical heart attack symptoms associated with diabetes.

#1 –Difficulty in Breathing

Difficulty breathing (breathlessness and shortness of breath) is one of the symptoms of heart attack. This symptom is also associated with the side effects of oral anti-diabetic drugs and insulin treatment. Some people with diabetes often think their breathing problems are just a side effect of their medication.

#2 – Increased Sweating

Another symptom of an acute heart attack is increased sweating. Unfortunately, this is also a symptom of hypoglycemia. In fact, some diabetics often mistake this heart attack symptom for hypoglycemia symptom.

#3 – Chest Discomfort and Pressure

Because diabetes also damages the heart blood vessels and nerves resulting in decreased sensation, some diabetics don’t feel the excruciating chest pain or pressure associated with heart attacks. They presume that the milder chest pain and pressure they’re feeling are related to indigestion.

#4 – Rapid Heart Rate and Palpitations

Palpitations and increased heart rate usually accompany heart attacks. But for diabetics, they sometimes associate these symptoms to stress, hypertension, or to a recent physical activity.

#5 – Shoulder Pain, Left Arm Pain, and Jaw Pain

These are also symptoms of an impending heart attack. But these symptoms can be milder in diabetics because of the damaged nerves.

If you or your loved one has these symptoms, please don’t hesitate to see the doctor even though the symptoms are mild and relatively tolerable. You might be having an acute-onset heart attack and need medical treatment right away.