After retiring, 67-year-old surgeon Philip Hollows suffered a heart attack 7 months later, revealing 2 ignored symptoms to the British Heart Foundation. Initially feeling severe chest pain, Hollows suspected it could be a sign of a heart attack and promptly went to the hospital. Tests confirmed that the patient had indeed had a heart attack, with doctors revealing that Philip’s coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart were completely blocked, leading to the heart attack.
A heart attack typically occurs when a blood clot suddenly obstructs blood flow to the heart. A stent was put in the retired surgeon’s blocked artery, restoring blood flow to his heart. Feeling lucky to have survived, Hollows also discovered that his blood sugar levels were high and he had Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes stands out as a dangerous condition that can damage blood vessels and eventually lead to heart disease. Learning about his diabetes was a second shock for the retired surgeon, as he realized there were some symptoms he had ignored during the process leading up to the heart attack.
“I was losing weight and going to the bathroom more frequently,” said Hollows, admitting that despite his wife’s insistence, he did not go to the doctor. The specialist noted, “If my high blood sugar had been diagnosed 5 years ago, maybe I wouldn’t have developed diabetes.” Speaking of his assumption that his low weight meant a low risk of developing diabetes, Philip Hollows also emphasized how poor eating habits negatively impacted his overall health.
After spending a few days in the hospital, Philip Hollows returned home struggling to climb stairs and even walk at first, but gradually regained his former health. The retired surgeon now exercises twice a week and has made outdoor walks a lifestyle habit. Describing how he lowered his blood sugar through diet, Philip Hollows stated, “I lost weight, although I wasn’t very overweight. Nowadays, I am at my university weight.”
THE LINK BETWEEN DIABETES AND HEART ATTACK
Diabetes can have a negative impact on heart health, especially due to insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of heart attacks compared to healthy individuals. Research shows that diabetes accelerates the development of atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart attacks.