Diabetes and chest pain can go hand in hand. Because individuals with diabetes are typically at higher risk for heart disease and heart-health episodes, chest pain can sometimes feel like a matter of course.

However, there are 3 significant warning signs you should not ignore. Although they may be caused by the usual suspects (i.e. diabetes and the corresponding effects), they could mean something far more serious.

#1. A Squeezing Sensation

If you experience a squeezing sensation in your chest, you should contact your physician immediately. Squeezing is characterized by either a tightening feeling in or near your heart, or a feeling as though a fist has closed over your heart and is applying pressure. Either of these sensations could mean an impending heart attack, a blood clot, or another serious problem.

Squeezing does not necessarily imply a powerful feeling. Even a slight sensation involving squeezing or undue pressure could be problematic. Due to potential nerve damage in or around the heart, you may not feel the oncoming heart attack and heart disease symptoms as acutely.

#2. Pain In the Upper Extremities

Although the famed left arm is well known for its link to having a heart attack, lesser known are the neck, shoulders, and jaw. Because men and women with diabetes may have difficulty deciphering heart or chest pain, careful attention should be paid to the onset of pain in the shoulders, neck, and jaw. If you find yourself feeling any type of pain in these three areas (dull or sharp), call your care provider.

If your heart has damaged nerves, your body may try to make up for this by sending pain elsewhere. Any pain radiating into your arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or head should be noted and investigated. Although it could be something as simple as sleeping in an uncomfortable position or tight fascia, it could indicate a more serious condition.

#3. Nausea and Dizziness

Finally, nausea and light-headedness can be indicative of a more serious heart condition or incoming heart attack. Again, because some nerves may be damaged, your body will work to alert you. If you find yourself experiencing some flu-like symptoms without the accompanying vomiting, you may need to see your doctor.

A heart attack can cause nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and sweating, all of which could easily be attributed to the flu. For this reason, if you find yourself coming down with flu symptoms, it is best to check in with your physician. While ideally, you will have been struck with a simple bout of the flu, your doctor may uncover a more serious root cause.

Heart disease and heart attacks are more difficult to detect in individuals with diabetes, due in part to the possibility of nerve damage, and in part to the nature of diabetic symptoms as a whole closely mirroring the symptoms of heart disease. Paying close attention to your symptoms could make the difference between a simple illness and a fatal attack.