Why Heart Disease Is One Of The Leading Causes Of Death In Diabetes Patients

If you have diabetes, your risks of developing heart disease are more than double in comparison with that of the general population, according to the American Heart Association. 

For individuals with type 2 diabetes, heart disease is the most common and leading cause of death. 

Understanding the precise connection between diabetes and heart disease is the first step when it comes to prevention.

Can Diabetes Lead To Heart Disease?

The answer to this question is an obvious “yes.” This is how.

High blood sugar levels in those with diabetes can eventually cause damage to the blood vessels and the nerves that are responsible for their control.

A blocked coronary artery can significantly slow down or prevent blood from supplying oxygen and other nutrients to your heart. The risk of heart disease significantly increases the longer you have elevated blood sugar levels. 

Mentioned below are some additional risk factors that can substantially increase your risk of acquiring heart disease if you are diagnosed with diabetes.

• High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one common risk factor for heart disease in those with diabetes. It places a strain on your heart and causes damage to your blood vessels. If you have both diabetes as well as high blood pressure, you are about twice as likely to develop heart disease in comparison with those without diabetes.

• High Cholesterol

Inadequate management of fats in the blood (such as cholesterol and triglycerides) is common in those with diabetes. These fats can further increase the risk of developing heart disease. Too much of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol and not sufficient high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol may lead to a build-up of fatty plaque within your blood vessels. This can cause blockages, eventually leading to a heart attack.

• Obesity

Individuals with diabetes are likely to be obese or overweight. Both these conditions are risk factors for heart disease.

• Sedentary Lifestyle

Living a sedentary lifestyle can significantly increase the risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity and high blood pressure.

• Smoking

If you have diabetes and are a smoker, your risks of developing heart disease are much higher in comparison with non-smokers. This is because both diabetes and cigarette smoke cause a build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can narrow them down.

• Unhealthy Dietary Habits

Consuming a diet that is high in sodium, trans fats, saturated fats, and cholesterol can lead to heart disease, especially in combination with a sedentary lifestyle.

• Consuming Too Much Alcohol

Consuming excessive alcohol can cause cardiovascular disease.

Overall Statistics

Death due to heart disease is nearly 70% higher in adults with diabetes in comparison with those without diabetes. This is according to the CDC (Centre for Disease Control).

According to a 2017 study, approximately 32% of individuals with type 2 diabetes have some form of heart disease.

Further, nearly 68% of individuals with diabetes who are aged 65 and above will eventually succumb to death from some form of heart disease. This is according to the American Heart Association.

Diagnosis

Doctors successfully diagnose heart disease in those with diabetes based on the following criteria:

• Symptoms

• Medical history

• Family history

• Risks for heart disease

• Physical examination

• Results from tests and procedures

Tests that are used to help in monitoring your diabetes (such as A1C, cholesterol, blood pressure) will assist your doctor in deciding whether it is important to carry out further tests to check the health of your heart or to refer you to a heart specialist or cardiologist.

Different Forms Of Heart Disease

• Atherosclerosis

When it comes to atherosclerosis, blood vessels tend to stiffen and become narrow because of build-up of fatty plaque. This lack of flow of blood can eventually leave your heart without sufficient oxygen, thus causing coronary heart disease.

• Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscles become extremely weak to pump blood in a proper manner to all organs of your body. 

• Arrhythmias or Irregular Heartbeat

Structural changes or damage to your heart can disrupt electrical messages that help in keeping the heart beating normally, thus resulting in arrhythmias. Arrhythmias may cause death due to cardiac arrest.

On A Final Note

If you have diabetes and are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain or pressure in your chest, or fatigue, you must consult your doctor immediately. You may have to make certain modifications to your lifestyle, consume a healthy diet, or intake certain medications. These measures could eventually save your life.

References:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/understanding-cv-disease-diabetes#statistics
2. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/complications/cardiovascular-disease
3. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-and-heart.html
4. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/heart-disease-stroke