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Is Frequent Urination A Symptom Of Heart Attack?

Posted on Fri, 5 Sep 2014

Question: Is frequent urination ever a symptom of a heart attack - when combined with pain below the ribs and back pain? I'm asking for my 88 year old mother who is diabetic an dad these symptoms last night - along with extreme fatigue.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is not a symptom of heart attack.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

Frequent urination is not a symptom of heart attack.Combined with back pain and the fact that your mother is diabetic ,frequent urination might indicate an urinary tract infection or an uncontrolled diabetes.

I would suggest to run an urinalysis and test her blood sugar to exclude these two possibilities.
Considering the fact that your mother is 88 years old and Diabetes increases the risk of having a heart attack every suspicious symptoms should be taken in consideration.In diabetic women a heart attack may present with very atypical symptoms including chest discomfort ,shortness of breath, pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, upper back pressure or extreme fatigue.

It may be nothing but just to be sure I would suggest to get an EKG done.
So if I were her treating doctor I would order some tests:
-Urinalysis to exclude an urinary tract infection
-Blood sugar and HbA1c to evaluate her Diabetes.
-An cardiac check-up :EKG.

Hope my answer has helped.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.

Best Regards!
Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (58 minutes later)

Thanks for your good advice! My follow-up question is: My mother wants to wait until tomorrow to get the EKG and urinalysis done. (Her blood sugar was normal for her - 221) She doesn't have any of the symptoms she had last night, but she does have a swollen ankle which she's had for a few weeks. My question is, is it safe to wait until tomorrow for these tests? We're ready to take her to the ER if any of the symptoms return.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
She can wait till tomorrow.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

If her condition is good (I mean with no major complains like chest discomfort,abdominal pain ,being lethargic etc) you can wait till tomorrow for the tests.
Since her blood sugar was not so high and urinary tract infection are not emergency ,then it won't be a problem waiting till tomorrow.
If she start feeling bad again you can take to the ER.Check her constantly to see how she is feeling.
For the moment just keep her hydrated( give some fluids to drink).
For the swollen ankle she need an complete evaluation form a physician because physician examination is very important.

I sincerely hope it was of help.
If you have other questions,please do not hesitate.

Kind regards!

Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (38 minutes later)

She also has a diminished appetite - didn't eat lunch, etc

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Extreme fatigue and diminished appetite are not specific symptoms.A lot of conditions can cause them.For this reason she may need a complete evaluation ,a detailed medical history ,physical examination and some tests (urinalysis,blood sugar,HbA1c ,complete blood count, EKG etc).
You can consult her physician and get her examined tomorrow if she doesn't have major complains that would require an immediate evaluation to ER.

Wish you all the best.
Take care!
Dr.Rovena Murati

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar