Which patient is likely to present with vague symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction?

The likelihood of a patient presenting with vague symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is particularly elevated in older adults and those with comorbidities. In this scenario, the 72-year-old female with diabetes is especially relevant because women and individuals with diabetes often present with atypical symptoms during an MI.

Diabetes can lead to neuropathy which may dampen the perception of classic chest pain, a primary symptom of myocardial infarction. Instead, these patients may experience non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, older age is a factor that generally increases the risk of atypical presentations due to changes in cardiovascular physiology and increased likelihood of multiple comorbid conditions affecting symptom recognition.

Other patients in the choices may present with more typical symptoms. The 55-year-old obese female might show classic signs of an AMI associated with risk factors like obesity. The 66-year-old male with angina is likely to experience familiar symptoms that he recognizes from his prior condition, potentially leading to prompt identification of an MI. The 75-year-old male with hypertension might also present with typical signs, as hypertension in itself is less likely to alter the perception of pain compared to diabetes.

Therefore, the combination