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Living with Diabetes
Heart Disease and Diabetes
Definition
Heart disease related to diabetes involves slowing of blood flow or blood vessel blockage caused by atherosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries.” Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty material and a substance called plaque builds up on the interior walls of the arteries. As the arteries narrow and the blood flow to the heart decreases, it may cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms. Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease than people who did not have diabetes.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Risk factors for developing heart disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), lack of physical activity, smoking, and obesity.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease
Signs and symptoms include chest pain or pressure, pain in the left arm, shortness of breath, swollen ankles, or leg pain. Some people with diabetes do not suffer the typical painful chest symptoms, which is why it is important to see your diabetes care team on a regular basis.
Treatment
Treatments for heart disease may vary based on symptoms and the severity of the disease. Treatment may include medications to lower blood pressure, blood thinners to reduce risk of blood clots, or statin medications to lower cholesterol levels. Treatment may also include angioplasty with stenting to open important blood vessels. Lifestyle modifications such as reducing sodium intake, low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, and smoking cessation are all also recommend in the treatment of heart disease.
Prevention
To lower your risk of developing heart disease, avoid or reduce stress as best as possible, avoid smoking, eat well-balanced meals low in fat and cholesterol, include daily servings of fruits and vegetables, get regular exercise, and keep blood pressure and blood glucose levels under control.
