para>This is an image of a woman surrounded by effects of heart disease. They include eye and renal disease, foot problems, stroke, heart disease and hypertension, poor blood flow, and nerve damage.View Original
This is an image of a woman surrounded by effects of heart disease. They include eye and renal disease, foot problems, stroke, heart disease and hypertension, poor blood flow, and nerve damage.
View Original
What are the causes?
- Plaque buildup in the blood vessels
- Metabolic syndrome ¢ ˆ ’ A group of risk factors that raise your chance for heart disease and diabetes. These include high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, as well as excess body fat around your waist.
- Insulin resistance ¢ ˆ ’ Your body is not able to properly use the insulin that it makes. Insulin helps to lower your blood sugar.
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have heart disease if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Problems like angina (chest pain) or heart failure after having a heart attack are also more common in diabetics. Often, heart disease exists without any signs like chest pain or shortness of breath. This is called silent ischemia or a silent heart attack. ‚
What are the main signs?
A person with diabetes may not have the usual sign of chest pain. Signs may be vague and mistaken for less serious conditions like indigestion. Some signs include: ‚
- Feeling weak, dizzy, or tired
- Muscle pain
- Heartburn
- Upset stomach or throwing up
- Trouble breathing
- Cold sweats
- Problems sleeping
- Neck or jaw pain
If you feel any of these signs, it is important to call an ambulance to take you to the ER. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and ask about your history. The doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- Stress test
- Cardiac cath
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
You will most likely need to make some lifestyle changes to lower your risk for heart disease. Your doctor will give you drugs to treat your heart disease and any other health problems. In some cases, the doctor may suggest surgery. You may need a stent or bypass surgery to fix a blocked artery. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Eating a healthy diet and daily exercise are important for a healthy heart. Ask to see a dietitian or diabetes educator for help with a plan that is right for you. In general, eating healthy means: ‚
- Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Choose many different fruits and vegetables. Fresh or frozen is best.
- Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty and processed foods.
- Eat more low-fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Limit caffeine.
- Avoid sugar-filled beverages including juices and soda.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower blood pressure
- Prevent or break up blood clots
- Control your heartbeat
- Lower cholesterol
- Help with pain
- Help you relax
- Help you stop smoking
What problems could happen?
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Weakened heart muscle
- Abnormal heart beats
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- It is important to keep each of the following at a goal value. Talk to your doctor about what values are right for you.
- Blood pressure
- A1C (blood sugar)
- Cholesterol
- Weight
- Make sure you take all your drugs as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand any information, ask questions and take notes. Do not stop taking your diabetes drugs unless your doctor tells you to. Check your blood sugar levels at home.
- Lose weight if you are overweight.
- Learn ways to relax and reduce stress.
- Ask your doctor if you should take your blood pressure at home. This will help you know if it is within your goal range.
- Walk as much as you can. This may help keep your blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight controlled.
- Stop smoking! Smoking damages blood vessels. You are more likely to have heart problems if you smoke and have diabetes.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
Call your doctor if: ‚
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
American Diabetes Association ‚
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications ‚
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/stroke/#connection ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/dhd/ ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-01-24 ‚
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚