Why are diabetics at a higher risk of dying from angina?

Diabetics are at a higher risk of dying from angina primarily due to the effects of diabetic neuropathy, which is a type of nerve damage that can occur in individuals with diabetes. This condition can impair their ability to sense pain, meaning they may not experience or respond to the angina symptoms that would typically signal a cardiac issue.

When someone with diabetes suffers from angina, the absence of pain awareness can lead to delays in seeking medical attention or recognizing the severity of their condition. As a result, individuals may not receive timely intervention during critical moments, increasing the risk of severe cardiac events or death.

The other factors may influence the health of diabetics but do not directly correlate to the specific risk of death from angina in the same manner that nerve damage does. For instance, while high cholesterol levels are a common issue in diabetics, the immediate risk factor when it comes to angina pain and response is the inability to perceive the pain due to nerve damage.