ENJOYING A HEART-HEALTHY DIET: INCREASED ODDS OF "SILENT" HEART
ATTACK
One of the results of poof diabetes control and rampant blood sugar levels is the development of neuropathy or nerve damage. Damaged nerves prevent proper transmission of sensations including those of heat, cold, touch and pain. The patient may not be aware of the pain that results from the heart not getting sufficient oxygen. Without this warning signal, one may not be conscious of angina or even heart attack. This is known as "silent ischaemia" or "silent heart attack".
If a heart attack occurs, it might be passed off as indigestion or other minor discomfort since there wouldn't be the crushing chest pain or radiating shoulder/arm pain normally experienced. The results of not seeking immediate medical attention can be fatal. In less severe attacks, the evidence isn't discovered until the patient has a routine ECG or treadmill test. If a number of attacks occur in this way, the function of the heart muscle can be affected, resulting in congestive heart failure.
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Cardio & Blood/ Cholesterol
