After retiring, 67-year-old surgeon Philip Hollows suffered a heart attack 7 months later and revealed 2 symptoms he had ignored to the British Heart Foundation. Initially experiencing severe chest pain, Hollows suspected it could be a precursor to a heart attack and immediately went to the hospital. Tests confirmed that he had indeed experienced a heart attack due to all the coronary arteries supplying his heart muscle being completely blocked.

Heart attacks typically occur when a blood clot suddenly obstructs the flow of blood to the heart. A stent was placed in the retired surgeon’s blocked artery, restoring blood flow to his heart. Feeling lucky to have survived, Hollows also discovered that he had high blood sugar levels and Type 2 diabetes, a dangerous disease known to damage blood vessels and eventually lead to heart disease. Learning about his diabetes diagnosis was a second shock for the retired surgeon, who realized there were some symptoms he had ignored leading up to the heart attack.

Stating, “I was losing weight and going to the toilet more often,” Hollows admitted that despite his wife’s urging, he did not seek medical attention. He expressed, “If my high blood sugar had been diagnosed 5 years ago, I might have avoided getting diabetes.” Thinking that he was at a low risk of developing diabetes due to being thin, Philip Hollows also acknowledged that poor eating habits had negative effects on his overall health. After spending a few days in the hospital, he returned home struggling to climb stairs or even walk initially, but gradually regained his health.

The retired surgeon, who exercises twice a week, also made outdoor walks a habit. Diabetes can adversely affect heart health, especially due to insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels. The risk of a heart attack is higher in individuals with diabetes compared to healthy individuals. Studies indicate that diabetes accelerates the development of artery hardening (atherosclerosis), increasing the risk of heart attacks.