Can High Blood Sugar Cause Chest Pain

Complications Of High Blood Sugar

Diabetes is one of the main causes of high blood sugar levels, but there are other causes that can impact your blood glucose and your risk for hyperglycemia.

Hyperglycemia is the medical term for high blood sugar levels. You can have temporary spikes in blood sugar after eating a large meal or as a result of medication side effects. Chronically elevated blood sugar levels are dangerous and common in those with diabetes. Without treatment, you run the risk of a diabetic coma.

Ketoacidosis is a condition that develops when elevated blood glucose levels go untreated. Without glucose to use for fuel, your body begins to burn fat instead and produces ketones. When there are too many ketones in the blood, it will turn acidic, which can very quickly lead to ketoacidosis, a diabetic coma, and even death.

People without diabetes can develop a similar condition known as ketosis, but they can tolerate a certain level of ketones because inulin is still effectively working.

Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome is another serious complication of high blood sugar. This is more common among individuals with type 2 diabetes and is triggered by an infection or illness.

As a result of the high blood sugar, your body tries to push out the excess glucose by passing it through your urine. Without treatment, this can result in life-threatening dehydration so prompt medical attention would be necessary.

Does Diabetes Make A Heart Attack Feel Different

By Lisa Rapaport, Reuters Health

5 Min Read

– People with diabetes may not always feel classic symptoms like acute chest pain when they have a heart attack, according to a small study that offers a potential explanation for why these episodes are more deadly for diabetics.

Researchers examined data from detailed interviews with 39 adults in the UK who had been diagnosed with diabetes and had also experienced a heart attack. Most of the participants reported feeling some chest pain, but they often said it didnt feel like they expected or that they didnt think it was really a heart attack.

Long term diabetes damages your heart in many ways , but it also damages your nerves, said study co-author Dr. Melvyn Jones of University College London.

So a bit like a diabetic might not feel the stubbing of their toe, they also feel less pain from damaged heart muscle when the blood supply gets cut off, so they dont get the classical crushing chest pain of a heart attack, Jones said by email.

People with diabetes are three times more likely to die from heart disease than the general population and possibly six times more likely to have a heart attack, Jones added.

All patients in the study received care at one of three hospitals in London, and they ranged in age from 40 to 90. Most were male, and roughly half were white.

Many of the participants described heart attack symptoms such as chest pain and discomfort.

SOURCE: bit.ly/2yEDdTr BMJ Open, online September 15, 2017.

Our Research And Heart Disease

We know people with diabetes are more at risk of developing heart problems, so we need to find ways to reduce this risk. We’re funding research on heart disease and if it’s successful, this research could open doors to developing new drugs that reduce plaque build-up in blood vessels and protect people with diabetes against this serious complication.

Find out more about our research into heart disease and how to get involved in our ground-breaking research projects.

Read Also: Metformin With Or Without Food

See Your Diabetes Educator

Work with a diabetes care and education specialist for help avoiding health complications such as heart disease. Youll get support and solutions and hear about the latest advances in managing diabetes. Find out more about how diabetes education can help you take the best care of yourself. And be sure to ask your doctor for a referral if you dont already have a diabetes educator.

Be Aware Take Control

Those affected by all types of diabetes are still at risk of developing heart disease, even if blood sugar levels are managed.

The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which develops over time as the arteries that supply blood to the heart fill with plaque. Plaque, which is made up of cholesterol and other substances, causes the arteries to harden. The medical term for this is atherosclerosis. When plaque continues to build, the arteries narrow, therefore reducing the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This causes the heart muscle to weaken, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, and even heart failure.

To hear more about the risks of heart disease, and questions from people just like you, visit: Ask the Experts: Medication Management for a Happy Heart.

Also Check: Is It Safe For Diabetics To Get Tattoos

Is Diabetes To Blame For Your Headache

• Find relief

Take control of pain

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that results in blood sugar, or glucose, abnormalities. This causes a host of symptoms and related complications, some of which can be life-threatening. A common symptom of high or low blood glucose is a headache. Headaches alone arent harmful, but they can signal that your blood sugar is out of its target range. If you have frequent headaches, diabetes may be to blame. Find out if diabetes is the cause of your headache so you can take proper action.

common source of pain. Theyre also a leading cause for days missed from work and school. Headaches are a frequent problem among the American population, but there are numerous causes.

Headaches are classified as being primary or secondary. Primary headaches occur when brain cells or nerves, blood vessels, or muscles around the head send pain signals to the brain. Migraines and tension headaches are common examples.

Secondary headaches, on the other hand, are not directly caused by the type of pain signals mentioned above. These types of headaches are attributed to underlying health conditions or medical problems. Diabetes is one cause of secondary headaches. Other causes can include:

• fever or infection
• high blood pressure, or hypertension
• stroke
• hormone fluctuations, such as those occurring during menstrual cycle
• eye disorders
• structural abnormalities within the brain

Take Medicine To Protect Your Heart

Medicines may be an important part of your treatment plan. Your doctor will prescribe medicine based on your specific needs. Medicine may help you

• meet your A1C , blood pressure, and cholesterol goals.
• reduce your risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.
• treat angina, or chest pain that is often a symptom of heart disease. Angina can also be an early symptom of a heart attack.
• treat heart failure, which is a form of heart disease in which your heart cannot pump blood well enough for your body to work properly.

Ask your doctor whether you should take daily aspirin. Aspirin is not safe for everyone. Your doctor can tell you whether taking aspirin is right for you and exactly how much to take.

Statins can reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke in some people with diabetes. In addition, certain diabetes medicines have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and death in patients at very high risk of having a heart attack. Talk with your doctor to find out whether taking a statin or a diabetes medicine that reduces heart attack risk is right for you.

Take medicines the way your doctor or health care team tells you to. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your medicines. Before you start a new medicine, ask your doctor about possible side effects and how you can avoid them. If the side effects of your medicine bother you, tell your doctor. Dont stop taking your medicines without checking with your doctor first.

Read Also: Low Diabetes Symptoms

The Undeniable Link Between Sugar Aches And Stiffness

Is your daily intake of sugar causing you pain and inflammation? With the increase in sugar consumption over the last several decades, we have also seen a rise in obesity, chronic illness, diabetes and many other painful and inflammatory conditions. The average American consumes about 150 pounds of sugar per year, where less than 100 years ago, the intake was only about 4 pounds per year. Our western and modern-day diets are often high in refined starches and sugars which can promote inflammation, leading to numerous diseases, achiness, and chronic pain.

What does pain and inflammation from sugar feel like? It can present as joint stiffness, muscle aches, tightness, tension, digestive discomfort, fibromyalgia, migraines, or even PMS pain. And the truth is, sugar is hiding in the food and beverages you consume all day long! You may not think that you are eating much of the sweet stuff, but when you consider the hidden sugar in your food, plus the fact that even healthy carbohydrates turn to sugar in your body, it can all add up quickly.

Take Medications As Prescribed

As cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes, statins are usually required to manage cholesterol levels to reduce risk. The most recent research indicates that statins should be considered for all adults with diabetes, even those without any signs of heart disease. Medication, referred to as blood pressure lowering agents can also help lower high blood pressure. You may require more than one agent.

Ask your doctor about aspirin to help reduce the risk of heart attack. Aspirin in low doses is sometimes recommended for people at risk of heart attacks as it makes the blood thinner and less likely to clog blood vessels.

Always take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. If you have any concerns then discuss them with doctor, do not alter your medication yourself.

Your pharmacist and Credentialled Diabetes Educator can also answer questions or concerns that you may have.

For more information: contact the Heart Foundation

Don’t Miss: What To Do If Blood Sugar Is Over 400

The Power Of Consistency

Signing up for 1MD Nutrition’s Subscription Box means you can spend less time worrying and more time staying motivated and focused on your health routine.

We are your biggest health advocates, so let us help you stay on track by automatically sending your joint, heart, immunity, and digestive health support supplements all in one box, on time… and start enjoying a happier, healthier life today.

Put your health first with 1MD Nutrition Subscription Box

How Could It Be Silent

One of the common effects of diabetes is a type of nerve damage called neuropathy. Usually it causes problems like numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands and feet. But it doesn’t always stop there.

You can also have damage in nerves that lead to your heart, bladder, and blood vessels. When that happens, you might not get important warning signs like pain or discomfort.

So during a heart attack that might normally cause big-time pain in your chest, arm, or jaw, you might not notice a thing. It’s like someone presses a big mute button on what you’re able to feel. But the damage does happen, and the dangerous consequences of a silent heart attack are real.

You May Like: High Glucose Dmem

Low Or High Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar occurs when your blood glucose drops below your target range. This usually happens at less than 70 mg/dl, but everyones range is different. It is best to talk to your healthcare provider about what is healthy for you. Often, when you experience low blood sugar, you will need to take action to fix it quickly.

A What Is The Differential Diagnosis For This Problem

Cardiac causes of chest pain

• Ischemia stable angina, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction*, coronary artery spasm, aortic stenosis

• Non ischemia aortic dissection*, myocarditis, pericarditis

  Continue Reading

Pulmonary causes of chest pain

• Pleuritis, pneumonia, pulmonary embolus*, pneumothorax*, pulmonary hypertension

Gastrointestinal causes of chest pain

• Esophageal reflux, spasm, esophagitis, rupture*

• Biliary colic, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, cholangitis

• Pancreatitis

• Peptic ulcer disease non perforating, perforating*

Chest wall causes of chest pain

• Costocondritis, fibrositis, rib fracture, sternoclavicular arthritis, herpes zoster , cervical disc disease

Psychiatric causes of chest pain

• Anxiety disorders hyperventilation, panic disorder, primary anxiety

• Affective disorders depression

• Somatoform disorders thought disorder

*Potentially life threatening/emergent conditions.

Don’t Miss: Can Diabetics Have Mac And Cheese

Classification Of Chest Pain

The physician made an overall assessment of symptoms as typical or atypical, and entered a diagnosis of angina or non-cardiac chest pain at the end of the consultation. We used the physician assessment of chest pain typicality in our primary analysis but in a separate analysis, to exclude the possibility of selection bias, we made an objective assessment of chest pain typicality using modified DiamondForrester criteria where features of typical cardiac chest pain, recorded during the consultation from a dropdown menu , were defined as constricting quality, central or left-side location, 15 min duration, and provocation by exercise. Atypical pain was defined as 2 of these features.

Heart Failure The Overlooked Diabetes Complication Part : What And Why

Learn what heart failure is, what it has to do with diabetes, and how to identify and talk about this complication thats often less discussed.

Healthcare professionals often discuss diabetes complications such as vision loss , chronic kidney disease , and cardiovascular disease . However, there is a less talked about heart complication, heart failure. Heart failure refers to a condition where the hearts ability to pump blood is less than normal, often meaning not enough blood is effectively circulating to the rest of the body.

This is part one of a two-part series on heart failure and diabetes.

Also Check: Metformin Pioglitazone Side Effects

Learn More About Chest Pain

If you have questions about chest pain, the team at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC are here for you. We serve residents of Hamden, CT and its surrounding communities. Were happy to help you understand whats causing your chest pain, how to reduce your pain, and how to protect your heart, so give us a call today at one of our many locations.

You Might Also Enjoy…

What Are The Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure

In the vast majority of cases, there are no clear symptoms of high blood pressure , which can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and eye problems if untreated. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. This is especially important if you have a close relative who has high blood pressure.

If your blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certain symptoms to look out for, including:

If you have any of these hypertension symptoms, see a doctor immediately. You could be having a hypertensive crisis that could lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Also Check: Side Effects If You Stop Taking Metformin

A Management Of Chest Pain

When the chief complaint is chest pain the first determination should be if the patient is suffering from a potential life-threatening condition. A limited history, physical and quickly obtained EKG and CXR can help determine this.

If the initial work-up does NOT suggests a life-threatening condition administer the following :

Intravenous access.

Arterial blood gas / oximetry.

Pulmonary vascular imaging.

If the initial work-up suggests a pneumothorax administer the following:

IV access.

Supplemental oxygen.

If pneumothorax is < 2-3 cm in size, observation and supplemental oxygen can be used. Serial CXRs are required until there is complete resolution.

If pneumothorax is > 3 cm in size or if the patient is symptomatic with chest pain or dyspnea, consider needle aspiration or tube thoracostomy. Clinically unstable patients should have chest tube placement.

Cardiac monitoring.

If the initial work-up suggests an esophageal rupture administer the following:

IV access: Avoidance of oral intake, IV fluid administration.

Admission of ICU.

Immediate Surgical consultation.

Brian May Reveals He Suffered A Small Heart Attack

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Delaying medical attention can lead to permanent disability or death once you’ve had a heart attack. Unfortunately, it’s not always obvious you’ve had one. Here are the warning signs of a ‘silent’ heart attack.

This type of myocardial infarction is more likely to happen to those who have type 2 diabetes.

Reasons being, diabetics those who have to monitor their blood sugar levels are prone to neuropathy.

Neuropathy is damage to the nerve cells, caused by excess levels of glucose in the bloodstream.

Don’t Miss: Is Metformin Dangerous

The Different Types Of Angina

There are two main types of angina that commonly occur:

• Stable angina is where symptoms of angina come on following a trigger which can typically include exercise or in response to a stressful situation.
• Unstable angina is said to be present if the symptoms occur without any clear trigger

The two main types of angina also differ in that the symptoms of stable angina will usually improve following medication and a period of rest, whereas the symptoms tend to continue in unstable angina despite resting.

Should I Give Up Sugar Altogether Then

With so many adverse effects to consider, maybe it is time to start giving up sugar. So, should you give it up? The short answer is no.

Its not a good idea to go cold turkey on your sugar habit, especially from a mental health perspective. It can also lead to some bad withdrawal symptoms including headaches, hunger cravings, and depression.

The classic food pyramid put sugar and sweets at the very top. However, with the new MyPlate Guidelines, added sugar and sweets are not suggested as any part of a balanced diet. Some sugar is a natural part of the diet and can be a great source of energy , but it most certainly isnt meant for large-scale consumption. It can also be difficult to cut sugar out completely as almost all prepackaged food comes with added sugar.

Knowing this, giving up sugar completely is not possible or healthy. In life, remember that most things are not bad, in moderation. However, there are some ways to remove most added sugars from your diet.

Also Check: Greek Yogurt For Diabetics