Last Updated on February 26, 2024 by Alexander Sennuga
Why is the knowledge about heart disease and diabetes so important? You can develop heart disease even at a younger age if you have diabetes according to medical experts. Besides, heart disease is the number 1 cause of death in the world among type 2 diabetics. According to NHS England, diabetes increases heart attack risk by 48%.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), diabetes represents one of the seven major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). But, the good news is that type 2 diabetes is controllable compared to the other risk factors.
What, then, is heart disease?
Heart disease is a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels. There are two prominent types of this disease. One of them is coronary heart disease, which affects the blood vessels in the heart muscle. The other one is cerebrovascular, or stroke, which affects the blood vessels of the brain.
This post will discuss the relationship between diabetes and heart disease. Also, it will describe the usual symptoms. Next, it will discuss what is known as a heart attack and CVD. Finally, it will highlight ideas on how to reduce the risk of heart disease wherever possible.
However, there’s so much information about the topic of heart disease and diabetes. So, to ensure it is not boring for you, I have curated the post with links. At your convenience, you can then read the linked posts as it suits you.
Read on…
Heart Disease and Diabetes Symptoms
The heart and the brain are the 2 major sites where heart disease takes place. So, we should consider the symptoms of these 2 parts of the body. In addition, these symptoms will be divided into 3 sections.
These are the symptoms needing a doctor’s attention and those of a heart attack. Also, those symptoms that are peculiar to women would be highlighted.
Symptoms to see your doctor
- Extreme fatigue
- Constant dizziness or lightheadedness
- A fast heart rate (more than 100 beats per minute)
- A new, irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain or discomfort during an activity that goes away after rest
- Difficulty breathing during regular activities
- A respiratory infection or cough gets worse
- Restlessness or confusion
- Sleeping pattern disruption
- Loss of appetite or nausea
Symptoms of a heart attack
- Pain or pressure in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes, or in an off-and-on pattern (angina)
- Discomfort around your back, jaw, throat, or arm
- Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Symptoms peculiar to women
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea/vomiting
- Back or jaw pain
- Loss of appetite or heartburn
- Tiredness or weakness
- Coughing
- Trouble sleeping
Diabetes Heart Attack
High blood sugar or diabetes can cause damage to the artery wall, leading to a buildup of plaque. Thus, the plague may cause blockage of blood flow through the arteries to the heart. Result? Damage can occur to the arteries, leading to a shortage of oxygen needed by the heart.
Guess what? A heart attack!
This is one of the consequences of not managing diabetes well. Indeed, we will cover more on this later when discussing the reduction of heart disease risk.
Relationship Between Heart Disease and Diabetes
It is quite straightforward. Diabetes puts you at risk of heart failure. According to NHS England, diabetes increases the risk of heart attack by 48%.
Furthermore, death from heart failure is 68% more likely with diabetes.
How does all this happen?
High blood sugar results in excess sugar flowing to the blood vessels. As a result, it damages the blood vessels, namely the arteries and the veins. Furthermore, this damage makes it difficult for smooth blood flow to the body parts where they are needed.
The result of all this can cause complications in the heart.
What are the potential complications?
These are:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart attack or stroke
Seriously, the lesson from these facts is that diabetics should control their diabetes. In addition, managing their heart health is also very important.
Can you now understand why the topic of heart disease and diabetes is so important?
Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
CVD is a general disorder of the heart or blood vessels usually caused by plaque or fatty deposits in the arteries.
Generally, there are four main types of this disease, namely:
- Coronary heart disease (angina or chest pain, heart attack, heart failure)
- Strokes and Mini-strokes (affecting arms, face, or speech)
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Aortic disease
In short, diabetes remains the potential cause of cardiovascular disease.
Now let us go further on this interesting topic of heart disease and diabetes.
How To Reduce The Risk of Diabetes and Heart Diseases
Unfortunately, diabetes has no cure for now. Therefore, the best thing people with diabetes can do is manage their condition to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Thus, knowing and reducing the risk factors for diabetes puts you in a position to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Accordingly, what are the risk factors? Which of them is within our control, and which one is not? So then, what should we do if we can control it?
The risk you cannot control
- Age
- Gender
- Family history
The risk you can control (with the support of your doctor)
- Stop smoking
- Manage your diabetes (check regularly your blood sugar levels, use your prescription as advised, and attend your annual reviews)
- Control your blood pressure
- Get your cholesterol and triglycerides in a healthy range
- Maintain a healthy body weight, thereby improving your metabolism
- Get regular exercise (30-minute walks daily)
- Eat healthily (seek help from your registered dietitian/nutritionist)
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Manage stress
- Get enough sleep (about 7 hours daily)
Other things to do to reduce the risk
- Do research about heart disease and diabetes. As a result, you get educated
- Join groups with similar interests, so that you can learn from each other
Conclusion
It’s no joke. Having diabetes means you are at risk for heart disease. This is regardless of your age, according to experts.
Also, available facts are that heart disease is the main cause of death among people with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, there is a connection between diabetes and heart disease.
How?
One of the reasons for this is that they share 3 common risk factors. These are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and unhealthy body weight. As a result, successful efforts to reduce the risk of diabetes also produce a reduction in the risk of heart disease.
The good news, however, is that diabetes type 2 for instance, is controllable. Thus, any success achieved in managing it well reduces your risk for heart disease.
There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of heart disease. Some of them are within your control, like choosing to eat healthily. Other steps, like your age or family history, are not within your control. If you do your best in the areas you can control, some success will come your way.
Finally, in addition to the support you get from your healthcare providers, you need to research the topic of heart disease and diabetes. See, everyone needs education, and knowledge is power. Above all, you are in the ‘driver’s seat of your health!
FAQ
1. What are the risk factors associated with heart disease?**
Risk factors associated with heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, and a sedentary lifestyle.
**2. How can I prevent heart disease?**
To prevent heart disease, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes adopting a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Regular exercise, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and controlling conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are also crucial in preventing heart disease.
3. What are the symptoms of heart disease?
The symptoms of heart disease may vary depending on the specific condition. However, common symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, dizziness, and swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
**4. What are the different types of heart disease?**
– Heart disease encompasses various conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, and congenital heart defects.
**5. How does diabetes affect the heart?**
Diabetes can have a significant impact on heart health. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease due to factors such as high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Proper management of diabetes through medication, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and blood sugar monitoring are crucial to reducing the risk of heart disease.
6. Can heart disease be hereditary?
Yes, heart disease can have a hereditary component. If you have a family history of heart disease, your risk may be higher. However, lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise also play a significant role in the development of heart disease.
7. How can I lower my risk of developing diabetes?**
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help lower the risk of developing diabetes. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting the intake of sugary foods and beverages, and avoiding tobacco use.
8. Are there any natural remedies for managing heart disease?
While natural remedies may complement traditional medical treatments, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper guidance. Some natural approaches that may benefit heart health include consuming a heart-healthy diet, incorporating regular physical activity, managing stress levels, and getting sufficient sleep.
9. What are the complications of diabetes?
Diabetes can lead to various complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, eye problems, foot problems, and skin conditions. Proper management of blood sugar levels and regular medical check-ups are important in preventing or minimizing these complications.
**10. Can heart disease and diabetes be managed simultaneously?**
Yes, it is possible to manage heart disease and diabetes simultaneously. A comprehensive treatment plan may involve medications, and lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, monitoring blood sugar levels, managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and regular medical follow-ups. Coordination between healthcare providers specializing in heart disease and diabetes is crucial for effective management.
Do you know of additional and helpful information about heart disease and diabetes? If you do, please share it in the comments section.
Very Important: Please note that the information we provide on this site is for educational purposes only. They’re not for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. So, please consult your doctor and/or a registered dietitian or nutritionist for any professional advice. Hence, do that before applying the knowledge to your health issues.