Expert's critical warning: 'Silent heart attack' in diabetic patients can cause sudden death

Cardiology experts are issuing a critical warning about the heightened risk of sudden death among diabetic patients due to "silent heart attacks." Unlike typical heart attacks, these events may occur without the classic symptom of chest pain, making them particularly dangerous.

“

We can see heart attacks much more silently in diabetic and elderly female patients. The patient can face sudden death directly without very typical chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or vomiting beforehand.

Dr. Dilay Karabulut, Head of Cardiology at Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, explained that nerve damage caused by diabetes can impair pain sensation. This condition, known as a "silent heart attack," is more prevalent in diabetic and elderly female patients. They can experience sudden death without prior warning signs like chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or vomiting. Consequently, diabetes is now considered an equivalent condition to coronary artery disease, necessitating regular cardiology check-ups for all diabetic patients.

Genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors significantly increase the risk of heart disease. A family history of heart attack or coronary artery disease before the age of 40-45 makes individuals more susceptible throughout their lives. Dr. Karabulut also highlighted the detrimental impact of early-onset smoking, which contributes to chronic inflammation in blood vessels. When combined with diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, the risk escalates dramatically compared to the general population.

“

Especially in diabetic patients, due to the damage and numbness in the pain nerves, we encounter the condition we call a silent heart attack more frequently. Therefore, diabetes is now equivalent to coronary artery disease for us. Every patient with diabetes must be regularly examined in the cardiology clinic.

Dr. Karabulut stressed the importance of time in treating heart attacks, emphasizing that prompt intervention to open blocked arteries can preserve heart muscle. For high-risk individuals, early detection of plaque and blockages in coronary arteries is possible through virtual angiography, allowing for timely treatment. Diabetic patients require closer monitoring, with check-ups every six months. To maintain heart health and manage blood sugar, lifestyle recommendations include at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily, such as walking or swimming, and adopting a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fats.

“

Time is a race in heart attack. The sooner the vessel is opened, the more the heart muscle is preserved.