Diabetes

Heart and vascular disease often go hand-in-hand with diabetes. Persons with diabetes are at a much greater risk for heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Other vascular problems due to diabetes include poor circulation to the legs and feet. Unfortunately, many of the cardiovascular problems can go undetected and can start early in life.

Persons with diabetes often experience changes in the blood vessels that can lead to cardiovascular disease. In persons with diabetes, the linings of the blood vessels may become thicker, making it more difficult for blood to flow through the vessels. When blood flow is impaired, heart problems or stroke can occur. Blood vessels can also suffer damage elsewhere in the body due to diabetes, leading to eye problems, kidney problems, and poor circulation to the legs and feet.

Symptoms

The following are the most common symptoms of heart disease. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• irregular heartbeat
• swollen ankles

The symptoms of heart disease may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Prevention and Treatment

Even when taking proper care of yourself, heart disease may still occur. Specific treatment for heart disease will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

When risk factors are eliminated (or reduced) in a person with diabetes, the risk for heart disease may be reduced. Taking care of yourself and controlling your blood sugar can often slow down or prevent the onset of complications. Other preventive treatment measures may include:

• See a physician regularly.
• Have annual electrocardiograms, or EKGs (a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms, and detects heart muscle damage), cholesterol and blood pressure check-ups, and pulse measurement in legs and feet.
• Pay attention to your symptoms and report them promptly to your physician.
• Control your blood sugar levels.
• Control blood pressure levels with lifestyle and diet changes, and/or medication.
• Keep low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (the "bad" cholesterol) at less than 100 mg/dL.
• Control your weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
• Do not smoke.
• Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages.