Diabetes by itself is regarded as the one of the strongest risk factors for heart disease. If you are diabetic, you can protect your heart from failing.
"When we treat a patient with diabetes we already assume that they have some degree of coronary artery disease (narrowing or blockage of their heart arteries). Coronary artery disease is the No. 1 cause of heart failure so it follows that diabetes would also be closely related to heart failure," said Harvey S. Hahn, MD, FACC, cardiologist with Kettering Physician Network.
But there is good news. Dr. Hahn wants diabetics to know that avoiding heart failure is possible.
"Eighty-five percent of diabetes is lifestyle-related," he said. "That means that by eating a healthy diet and exercising (and thereby losing weight) diabetes type II can actually be reversed or cured."
Diabetics are even more at risk because studies show 90 percent of diabetics have additional risk factors, such as smoking and obesity. These factors make the blood vessels in patients with diabetes more susceptible for coronary artery disease.
It is important to know the symptoms of heart disease in order to prevent the situation from worsening.
According to Dr. Hahn, symptoms start with shortness of breath. "As things get worse, you will get more winded with doing less activity." said Hahn. "Finally symptoms will include increased weight, cough, trouble breathing when lying down, waking up short of breath, abdominal swelling and leg swelling. If any of these signs or symptoms occur you should contact your doctor."
Dr. Hahn says, "It's better to get control of diabetes early and prevent a heart attack. It's never too late."
You don't have to fight diabetes alone. Learn ways to manage your diabetes by signing up for diabetes education.
Check your risk for heart disease by taking a heart risk quiz.