If you are diabetic, you are twice at risk for cardiovascular diseases than a person who is not suffering from diabetes. You are also more likely to develop heart conditions or to have a stroke at a younger age than your non-diabetic counterparts. Heart diseases are the most critical and common of the complications that occur due to diabetes. It accounts for about 65% of diabetes-related deaths. However it is possible to reduce, and at times, prevent the risk of heart diseases.
Why Is The Risk Of Heart Diseases Higher In Diabetic Persons?
When the blood vessels are exposed for an extended period to high blood sugar levels, they get damaged. Increased deposits of fat (plaque) along the arteries and blood vessels are also a consequence of the high glucose level. The presence of plaque inhibits the blood flow. It can cause hardening of the blood vessel walls. This results in an increase in the blood pressure.
As a diabetic patient, the heart conditions that may affect you are
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
In CAD, the blood flow to the heart is hampered due to the thickening and hardening of the blood vessels. This can lead to a heart attack
• Cerebral Vascular Disease
Here the blood supply to the brain is hindered. It can result in a stroke or TIAs.
• Heart Failure
Heart failure is a lasting condition wherein the heart is unable to pump blood properly. This condition aggravates over the years.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
In PAD, the blood vessels to the feet narrow and harden due to plaque. This leads to poor blood supply to the feet. It can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Symptoms Of Heart Diseases
You need to be alert for the following symptoms, which may indicate that you have a heart condition.
• Pain in the chest, arms and legs
• Shortness of breath
• Excess sweating
• Fatigue and weakness
• Irregular heartbeats
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
The symptoms of pain are usually not experienced by diabetic patients. This is attributable to the nerve damage that occurs due to the high levels of blood sugar.
Precautions To Reduce Your Risk
The good news is that you can effectively reduce the risk of heart disease by taking the following precautions:
• Intensive Control of blood sugar
By controlling your blood sugar levels, you can reduce the damage caused to the blood vessels. Ask your physician what your target sugar levels are and how you can achieve the target.
• Control your blood pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart diseases. It can lead to several complications. Ideally your blood pressure should be below130/80 mm/Hg
• Control your cholesterol and triglycerides level
High cholesterol and triglycerides level can also hasten the development of heart diseases. Keeping these levels in control will go a long way in reducing the risk of heart diseases. In the ideal scenario your LDL should be below 100 mg/dL and your HDL level should be at least 40 mg/dL.
• Exercise and healthy food
Exercising regularly for about 30 to 45 minutes each day will reduce your risk considerably. Include adequate fibre and reduce the intake of fat and carbohydrates.
Medications
After consultations with your physician take medicines, if required. Have your medicines regularly without missing doses.
All these steps will help you to reduce your risk of developing heart diseases.