Clinical manifestations of myocardial infarction in diabetic and non-diabetic patients

Cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of death in diabetic patients; so that acute myocardial infarction (AMI) symptoms differences in diabetic and non-diabetic patients may influence diagnosis of the disease and the decision time for treatment and consequently disease outcomes. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the differences of clinical manifestations between diabetic and non-diabetic patients with myocardial infarction. This cross–sectional study was done on 366 patients with acute myocardial infarction hospitalized in Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) in 2013. Demographic information form and symptoms check list were used and symptoms of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were asked from the patients and the results were entered into the checklist. Results were analyzed through SPSS20 software, descriptive statistics methods and odds ratio. Results showed that diabetes increases chance of dyspnea, weakness, fatigue, belching, tinnitus, anxiety and hiccup. From the other side being a diabetic patient increases the chance of pain related to AMI in the neck, left shoulder, and the left arm. Atypical symptoms, particularly in diabetic patient, may cause delay in patient’s referring and also decision making for the diagnosis and treatment by the medical team as well; so staff of intensive units and the patients need more and specialized information regarding knowledge about AMI symptoms specifically by noticing diabetic disorder.