Diabetic heart problems are the most common issue in type 1 and type 2 sufferers and it is the leading cause of death. Diabetes is a systemic, metabolic disorder in which a pancreas is defective. Either it may produce too little or inadequate insulin or the body may develop a resistance to the insulin that is produced. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes has numerous side effects that can affect any nerve, tissue, or organ in the body.
The heart is the most impacted organ in the body due to other risk factors of diabetes. For example, people who are overweight or obese tend to be at risk for diabetes and heart disease. People that fit into both categories most likely have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels. High blood pressure causes increased strain on the heart as it has to work extra hard to pump blood, which results in blood vessel damage and heightens the risk of developing other ailments like vision and kidney problems, and stroke.
Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides can block vessels from pumping blood to the heart when the bad cholesterol forms inside an artery and makes it harden. Lack of flow to the heart can cause heart attack and other diabetic heart problems. Similarly, too little of the good cholesterol can be negative as well. Usually, this cholesterol, called HDL cholesterol, removes the fatty, hardened spots inside an artery, and transfers it to the liver for excrement. When there is not enough of this cholesterol, it does not perform and instead, leaves the hardening substances inside the arteries, which will eventually constrict the vessel and prevent the passage of blood.
Smoking tobacco can initiate or complicate diabetes and heart disease as it narrows the blood vessels. Smoking not only leads to issue, but it can cause permanent vessel damage in the lungs and extremities, which could lead to amputation.
Diabetic Heart Problems – Symptoms
People can suffer from diabetic heart problems long before they actually notice symptoms. They can monitor their progression of heart disease through close observation of their blood pressure and cholesterol, but unless doctors perform invasive tests or imaging scans, the extent of the heart disease is unknown until the individual suffers heart attack or stroke. A heart attack occurs when the heart cannot pump and receive blood efficiently while a stroke occurs when there is no blood supply to the brain or neck.
When a person has a heart attack, they usually feel it right before the incident through tightening in their chest, sweating, dizziness, and nausea. They may have difficulty breathing and notice pain in their chest, back, stomach, or limbs. When these symptoms occur, it is recommended that they call the ambulance immediately, take an aspirin, and elevate the legs over the heart.
When a person experiences a stroke, they may feel disoriented, weak, and may have trouble seeing and walking. They may feel a headache and pain and numbing in certain extremities. In this scenario, the individual should call 911 as soon as possible. The patient needs to get to a medical professional who can administer blood-clotting medications to prevent further damage.
Diabetic Heart Problems – Prevention
People can treat diabetes and heart disease in a similar fashion. Side effects of both can be eliminated by inducing lifestyle changes. A person should eat a healthy diet that is free from refined, processed, or fatty foods and full of nutrient rich, high fiber, and natural foods. They should check their levels of blood glucose, pressure, and cholesterol frequently. Blood glucose levels should be less than 180 mg/dL after a meal and 90-130 before a meal while blood pressure should be no higher than 130/80 mm Hg. Bad cholesterol should be under 100 mg/Dl, and triglycerides should be under 150mg/dL. Good cholesterol should be above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women.
Individuals should refrain from smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, and using illicit drugs as the next measure to reduce the instances of heart disease and blood sugar abnormalities. Frequenting the doctor is a great way to monitor levels while receiving an exam and discussing medications, which may prevent further heart disease.
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