7 ways to protect your heart if you have diabetes

If you suffer from diabetes, take care of heart problems! Diabetics have twice the risk of suffering from heart disease than those without diabetes. But luckily there are steps you can take to decrease your chances of developing complications. Diabetes alone is a risk factor for developing heart disease. Over time, high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels throughout the body. But especially the heart and the brain. As a result, the chances of suffering a heart attack and/or a stroke increase.

Diseases

Heart diseases that occur in diabetics are mainly of two types: •  **Coronary artery disease. **It is the slow narrowing of the heart arteries mainly due to fatty deposits, called plaques. For example, if a cholesterol plaque suddenly ruptures, the blockage that forms in the arteries of the heart can cause a heart attack. •  Heart failure. It is a chronic condition, in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively. Its main symptoms are shortness of breath and swelling of the legs due to fluid retention. The coronary artery disease mentioned above is one of the main causes of heart failure.

Factors that increase risk

There are factors that further increase the risk of diabetics. You must take into account the following: •  Abnormal cholesterol levels. For example, a low level of HDL, or “good” cholesterol, or a high level of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. “Good” cholesterol (HDL) removes fat deposits from the inside of blood vessels and takes them to the liver, where they are eliminated. A low level of “good” cholesterol (HDL) increases the risk of heart problems. “Bad” cholesterol (LDL) accumulates inside the blood vessels. Narrowing the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body, and can block them. A high level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) increases the risk of developing heart problems. •  **Triglycerides. **The elevated level of this other type of fat in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease. •  **Excess abdominal fat. ** Waist measurement greater than 35 inches (88 cm) in a woman and 40 inches (102 cm) in a man are signs of abdominal obesity. Abdominal fat increases the production of LDL, with its negative consequences. •  High blood pressure (hypertension). It is common in diabetics, and causes the heart to have to work harder to pump blood. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and vision and kidney problems. •  Smoking. Smoking doubles your risk of heart disease because it also narrows blood vessels. Additionally, it may increase the chance of developing complications. Like vision problems. And when it damages the blood vessels in the legs, the risk that an amputation will be necessary increases. •  Heredity. Having a family member with heart disease also increases the risk of developing this condition.

Prevention

Luckily, there are ways to prevent heart disease. And to be sure that the treatment you use for diabetes works well, experts recommend the following steps:

1. Get an A1C. This is a blood test that provides a rough assessment of your sugar level over the previous three months. An A1C level of less than 7 is ideal.
2. Control your blood pressure. In general, diabetics should maintain a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
3. Control your cholesterol. It is important that you keep it at bay. The goal for diabetics is an LDL (low-density cholesterol) less than 100 and an HDL greater than 40.
4. **Eat a healthy diet. **Make sure you consume enough fiber. Including whole grain cereals and breads, beans, fruits and vegetables. Limit the amount of saturated fats, which raise cholesterol levels. This type of fat is found in meats, chicken skin, butter, lard, and full-fat dairy products. And, of course, also avoid or limit the amount of trans fats you consume. 5.  Stop smoking. If you have diabetes, get away from cigarettes immediately. Find out about new smoking cessation treatments that have been shown to be effective, and seek medical help if you can’t quit on your own. 6.  Exercise. All people benefit from physical activity, but especially diabetics. Make sure to include physical activity in your daily routine. A daily walk is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your risk of heart disease. Physical activity also keeps blood sugar and blood pressure under control. However, consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.
5. Ask your doctor if you can take aspirin daily. Some studies show that taking low-dose aspirin daily reduces the risk of developing heart problems. But not everyone should take it. Only your doctor can decide if it is right for you or not. Even if you have diabetes, you can lead a normal life if you follow certain rules. The key is to follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter and take the medications he or she prescribes without fail. And, of course, do your part by controlling your diet, monitoring your weight and maintaining physical activity that adapts to your state of health.