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Which of the following patients would MOST likely present with vague or unusual symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction?

a) A 50-year-old male with a history of hypertension
b) A 60-year-old female with diabetes
c) A 70-year-old male who smokes
d) A 45-year-old female with obesity

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Final answer:

A 60-year-old female with diabetes would most likely present with vague or unusual symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction because women often have atypical symptom presentations, especially when comorbidities such as diabetes are present.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient who would most likely present with vague or unusual symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction (MI) is b) A 60-year-old female with diabetes. Women often experience different symptoms of a heart attack compared to men, and diabetes can alter classic presentations of MI. Symptoms in such patients might not include the classic retrosternal chest pain, but rather nausea, shortness of breath, or fatigue.

Women, especially older women with comorbidities like diabetes, may have atypical presentations of acute MI. This difference in symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, which can be life-threatening. The risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including diabetes, make it imperative that these symptoms are taken seriously when presented by patients.

User Niclasleonbock
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