Learn about Heart and circulation problems in diabetes symptoms from Consumer Reports Health.

Heart and circulation problems in diabetes

What are the symptoms of heart and circulation problems in diabetes?

If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, you need to know about the symptoms you might get if you have a heart attack, a stroke, or poor circulation in your legs. If you get symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, you need to get medical help immediately. If you have symptoms of poor circulation, you should tell your doctor, as you may need treatment.

Heart attack

Most people associate having a heart attack with chest pain. But if you have diabetes, you may not always get chest pain when you have a heart attack or other heart problems.

Source:
Panju AP, Hemmelgarn BR, Guyatt GH, et al.
Is this patient having a myocardial infarction?
Journal of the American Medical Association. 1998; 280: 1256-1263.

These are some of the other symptoms of a heart attack that you may get instead of or as well as chest pain: shortness of breath, stomach pain, dizziness, weakness, or trouble walking.

If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 911 right away. It's important not to delay getting medical help, even if you're not sure about your symptoms. No one will blame you if it turns out to be a false alarm.

These are some of the other signs and symptoms you might get:

Sweating, nausea or vomiting
Irregular heartbeat
Having a blue tinge to your skin
Passing out (losing consciousness).

Stroke

Strokes affect people in different ways. But the symptoms usually come on suddenly. You may find you can't move one side of your body, or you have difficulty speaking or swallowing. You may pass out (lose consciousness). Or your symptoms may be mild. You may simply feel dizzy.

These are some of the other symptoms you might get:

Numbness
Weakness, especially on one side of your body
Confusion
Eyesight problems
Loss of balance or trouble walking
A sudden, severe headache.

If you have these symptoms, you should tell your doctor right away. The earlier you have treatment, the better your chances are of recovering.

Poor circulation in your legs

Poor circulation means your leg muscles may not get all the oxygen they need when you walk. This can mean you get pain or cramps in your legs when you walk or exercise. Doctors sometimes call this claudication.

Your feet may feel cold or numb if they are not getting enough blood. Poor circulation can also mean your skin is less able to heal itself if you get a cut or sore. So you may get sores or

ulcer
An ulcer is an open sore. Ulcers can happen in many parts of your body, such as in your stomach, and the skin of your legs, mouth or genitals.

ulcers on your feet that don't heal up.

Sources for the information on this page:

Panju AP, Hemmelgarn BR, Guyatt GH, et al.Is this patient having a myocardial infarction?Journal of the American Medical Association. 1998; 280: 1256-1263.

This information was last updated on Mar 06, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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