Why do diabetics have silent heart attacks?

A heart attack that does not produce the hallmark symptoms of chest pain and difficulty breathing. It is estimated that as many as 4 million Americans have had silent heart attacks, and diabetes raises the risk of having one. ... Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care immediately. read more

A heart attack that does not produce the hallmark symptoms of chest pain and difficulty breathing. It is estimated that as many as 4 million Americans have had silent heart attacks, and diabetes raises the risk of having one. read more

Those who have had previous heart attacks are also prone to silent attacks, as are women. However, in both these groups of people, silent heart attacks tend to be rare. They are much more a risk for the three million people in the UK with diabetes because of the nerve damage the condition can cause. read more

So when the heart undergoes damage during an heart attack these nerves cannot transmit the pain sensation wherein the patient can be alerted properly to seek medical attention. At other times these pain sensations may also be perceived as other sensations such as indigestion, mild breathing difficulty, nausea etc all which may be mistaken by the patient as minor ailments. read more