At Cross County Cardiology, we believe in empowering patients with knowledge to take charge of their heart health. Diabetes is more than a blood sugar issue—it’s a major risk factor for heart disease. Understanding the connection between diabetes and heart health is key to staying ahead of potential complications.
If you’re wondering how diabetes affects your heart, this guide breaks it down and offers practical steps to help protect yourself.
The Connection Between Diabetes and Heart Disease
Diabetes impacts your heart in ways that can go unnoticed until serious problems arise. The American Heart Association states that about 68% of adults over 65 with diabetes die from heart disease, and 16% die from stroke. The risk of developing heart disease is two to four times higher for people with diabetes, even if blood sugar levels are well-managed.
One reason is the damage diabetes causes to blood vessels. Over time, high blood sugar levels create inflammation, damage blood vessel walls, and lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. This makes it easier for blockages to form, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Diabetes can also lead to a lesser-known condition called diabetic cardiomyopathy, which affects the heart muscle itself. Even without blockages in the arteries, this condition can cause heart failure.
Why Symptoms Can Be Hard to Detect
One of the most dangerous aspects of diabetes and heart disease is silent ischemia. This condition reduces blood flow to the heart, but nerve damage from diabetes often masks the warning signs. Instead of chest pain, you might feel fatigue, shortness of breath, or reduced exercise tolerance.
Research shows that up to 58% of silent heart attacks occur in people with diabetes. These missed warning signs can lead to serious complications or even sudden cardiac death.
Steps to Protect Your Heart
Managing diabetes isn’t just about controlling blood sugar. A holistic approach to managing all risk factors can significantly reduce your chances of heart disease.
- Control A1c levels: Keeping your A1c below 7% reduces the risk of heart complications.
- Manage cholesterol levels: Statins can lower LDL cholesterol, which is critical for people with diabetes. Aim for an LDL below 55 mg/dL.
- Monitor blood pressure: High blood pressure adds to the strain on your heart. Keep it under 130/80 mmHg.
- Stop smoking: Smoking triples the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can make it harder to manage blood sugar and cholesterol.
How Cross County Cardiology Can Help
Managing heart health with diabetes can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team at Cross County Cardiology provides personalized care plans that address both diabetes and heart disease.
We offer advanced screening tools to detect silent heart issues, lifestyle counseling to help you make sustainable changes, and the latest therapies for managing cholesterol, blood pressure, and more.
If you’re worried about your heart health or noticing symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. Early intervention can make all the difference.
Taking Control of Your Health
Diabetes is a serious risk factor for heart disease, but with the right care and lifestyle changes, you can protect your heart. At Cross County Cardiology, we are here to guide you every step of the way with expert care and support.
Make your heart health a priority. Contact us today to create a personalized plan that helps you live a longer, healthier life.
