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Trustwell Hospitals – Best Hospital in Bengaluru

Are Diabetes Patients Prone to Cardiovascular Disorders

The answer is YES

Diabetic People are more likely to have higher risk for heart disease. Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood that travels through the arteries. A person having elevated, or higher blood pressure is termed to be having increased / high force of blood through arteries and can damage artery walls. Having both high blood pressure and diabetes can greatly increase your risk for heart disease.

People with diabetes are also more likely to have certain risk factors, such as high blood pressure NIH external link or high cholesterol, that increase their chances of having a heart attack or a stroke

It is observed that People having type 2 diabetes have a twofold increased risk for cardiovascular disease. They are at risk for myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease), and CVD is the principal cause of death in Type 2 Diabetes.

Link between diabetes, heart disease, and stroke

As you all are aware Diabetes leads to High blood glucose. This higher blood glucose levels can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels. As it ages this damage can lead to heart disease.

People with diabetes tend to develop heart disease at a younger age than people without diabetes. Adults with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease or stroke as adults without diabetes.

Hence it is highly recommended to take effective steps to manage your diabetes. It also helps lower your chances of having heart or stroke.

Risk Factors that increase heart diseases

Risk for heart disease is greater if you are male rather than female, whether you have diabetes or not

Smoking

Smoking increases risk of developing heart disease. It is important to quit smoking if you are diabetic. Both smoking and diabetes narrow blood vessels. Smoking also increases your chances of developing other long-term problems such as

  • Vascular Disorders
  • Foot or leg Disorders
  • Lung Diseases

 

High Blood Pressure

When there is High blood pressure, it is assumed that your heart is putting extra pressure to pump the blood. High blood pressure can strain your heart, damage the blood vessels, and increase the risk of a heart attack. It may also lead to eye / kidney problems or stroke.

It is advised to have your blood pressure checked regularly and work with your doctor to control or lower high blood pressure

 

Cholesterol / Triglycerides

Cholesterol is a fat that is found in the blood. They are differentiated as LDL and HDL

LDL (low density lipoprotein) is often called the “bad” cholesterol because it collects in the walls of your blood vessels, raising your chances of health problems like a heart attack or stroke. HDL (high density lipoprotein) is sometimes called “good cholesterol.” Higher levels of HDL is linked to lower risk for heart disease and stroke. To improve LDL and HDL levels, limit the amount of fat in your eating plan, eat more plant-based foods, and get regular physical activity

Obesity

Obesity means having too much body fat. It can lead to many health issues and makes it harder to manage your diabetes. Further it leads to other many health problems including heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and eyes.

Excess belly fat around your waist, even if you are not overweight, can raise your chances of developing heart disease.

Family history of heart disease

A family history could increase your risk of developing heart disease in several ways. Genes inherited could cause heart disease that may add to your chances of developing the condition. If one or more of your family members had a heart attack before age 50, you have double the chance of developing heart disease compared with people who have no family history of the disease.4

You can’t change whether heart disease runs in your family. But if you have diabetes, it’s even more important to take steps to protect yourself from heart disease and decrease your chances of having a stroke.

How to Lower the probability of a heart attack or stroke in diabetic patients

You can significantly lower your chances of having a heart attack or stroke by taking the following steps to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.

Manage your Diabetes by regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.

Manage your Blood Pressure Levels

Have a periodic health check and monitor your cholesterol and other parameters like creatinine, lipids, vision.

Maintain Healthy Lifestyle

  • Follow a physical activity routine
  • Sleep well
  • Eat well (balanced nutritious diet)
  • Avoid stress
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