Diabetes and Heart Disease
Heart disease is more likely to occur in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Heart disease is another of the complications that may affect diabetics as their condition progresses.
How are heart disease and diabetes linked?
People suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes are more likely to be at risk from heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure.
Vascular problems, such as poor circulation to the legs and feet, are also more likely to affect diabetes patients. Like diabetes itself, the symptoms of cardiovascular disease may go undetected for years.
Furthermore, the risk of coronary heart disease associated with type 2 diabetes is about 50% greater in women than it is in men. [1]
Who does heart disease affect?
Many people think that heart disease only affects the middle-aged and elderly. However, serious cardiovascular disease may develop in diabetics before the age of 30. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetics are at greater risk of developing heart disease.
Diabetes and heart disease are closely linked. People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, in particular, tend to have higher levels of cholesterol and blood pressure which contributes to heart disease risk.
As with most complications of diabetes, maintaining good blood glucose control is a key way to avoid the development of heart disease.
The following factors raise the risk of heart disease:
- Heart disease in a close relative
- Being overweight
- Being relatively inactive
- If you drink heavily or smoke
- Having high blood pressure
- Having high cholesterol
The risk of heart disease also gets larger with age. The symptoms of heart disease only appear once heart disease has been developing for some time. The symptoms may be noticed as chest pains, known as angina.
The pains which can be mistaken for indigestion can last for several minutes.
Some people may experience a heart attack as the first symptom which makes spotting the risks of heart disease before the symptoms occur even more important.
As someone with diabetes, you should have your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked at least once a year. If you have a number of the risk factors, your doctor may advise you to have a diagnostic test for the presence of heart disease.
A number of different diagnostic tests exist and could include an electrocardiagram (ECG) test, x-rays or a coronary angiography.
Treatment for heart disease is based around lifestyle changes. Cutting down on smoking and alcohol and getting more exercise will help. You may also be advised to change your diet. These lifestyle changes are also recommended for people who wish to decrease their risks of heart disease later on in life.
People who have or are at risk of heart disease will commonly be prescribed cholesterol and blood pressure lowering drugs.
What is the cause of heart disease amongst diabetics?
Diabetes can change the makeup of blood vessels, and this can lead to cardiovascular disease. The lining of the blood vessels may become thicker, and this in turn can impair blood flow. Heart problems and the possibility of stroke can occur.
What is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome occurs when a group of metabolic risk factors are present in one person.
People who suffer from metabolic syndrome are also at an increased risk of coronary heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
- Abnormal abdominal fat tissue
- Blood fat disorders and plaque build-up in artery walls
- Insulin resistance or intolerance to glucose
- High levels of fibrinogen or plasminogen activator inhibitor
- Elevated blood pressure
- Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the blood
Metabolic syndrome is incredibly common in the United States, and is increasing throughout the world.
What symptoms can identify heart disease?
Commonly, the following are common symptoms of heart disease, although this may vary from individual to individual.
- Pain in the chest
- Short of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling of ankles
How can I prevent and treat heart disease?
To prevent heart disease, a number of factors must be considered. It is imperative to control your weight, through regular exercise and a balanced diet. Do not smoke, and limit the amount of alcohol that you drink. Consult a physician and base your prevention plan on their advice.
To assess your risk, it is necessary to take an EKG (electrocardiogram).
Furthermore, if you are concerned you should have cholesterol and blood pressure check-ups, as well as pulse measurement.
Controlling your blood sugar levels is also essential in both treatment and prevention.
