What does diabetes have to do with heart disease and blood vessel disease?

If you have diabetes, you’re much more likely to have

• heart disease, also called coronary artery disease

• blood vessel disease, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

• a heart attack

• a stroke

You can cut your chances of having these problems by taking special care of your heart and blood vessels.  In addition to regular checkups, your health care team can do special tests to check the condition of your heart and blood vessels.  If you already have heart or blood vessel problems, your health care team can use special procedures to open up or bypass narrowed or blocked blood vessels.  Choosing foods wisely, being physically active, and taking medications can also help you stay healthy.   

Below are some of the medical tests and procedures used for finding and treating heart and blood vessel disease.  Terms are listed in alphabetical order.

Angiogram or arteriogram

In an angiogram  or arteriogram, dye is injected into the blood vessels using a catheter (small tube) and X rays are taken.  This test shows whether arteries are narrowed or blocked.  A coronary angiogram checks for narrowing or blockages in the blood vessels that go to the heart.  A cerebral arteriogram checks the blood vessels that go to the brain.

Angioplasty

Angioplasty, also called balloon angioplasty, is a procedure used to remove a blockage in a blood vessel to the heart (coronary angioplasty) or the brain.  A small tube with a balloon attached is threaded into the narrowed or blocked blood vessel.  Then the balloon is inflated, opening the narrowed artery.  A wire tube, called a stent, may be left in place to help keep the artery open. 

Ankle brachial index

A test called an ankle brachial index (ABI) is used to diagnose PAD. The health care provider compares the blood pressure in the ankle to that in the arm.  Lower blood pressure in the lower part of the leg compared to the pressure in the arm may indicate PAD.

Coronary artery bypass graft

During a coronary artery bypass graft, also called a bypass or CABG (pronounced “cabbage”), a blood vessel taken from the leg, wrist, or chest is attached to the coronary artery to bypass a blockage and restore blood flow to the heart. A bypass graft can also be used for blood vessels leading to the brain.

Carotid artery surgery

Carotid artery surgery, also called carotid endarterectomy, is used to remove buildups of fat inside the artery and to restore blood flow to the brain.

CT scan

A CT (computed tomography), also called a CAT scan, uses special scanning techniques to provide images. 

Cardiac catheterization

Cardiac catheterization  is used in conjunction with other tests.  A small tube is inserted into an artery and guided into a blood vessel. 

Chest X-ray

This test shows the size and shape of the heart and can also show congestion in the lungs.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses very-high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce images of the heart and blood vessels on a screen.  Results indicate whether the heart is pumping blood correctly.  A stress echocardiogram uses either exercise or medication and ultrasound to provide images of the heart and blood vessels.

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or EKG, provides information on heart rate and rhythm and shows whether there has been damage or injury to the heart muscle.

Exercise perfusion test

An exercise perfusion  test, also called a stress nuclear perfusion test, uses small amounts of radioactive material to produce images of blood flow to the heart as you exercise. 

Exercise stress test

Exercise stress tests are used to find heart disease that is evident only during physical activity.  These tests can also be used to help a patient choose the most appropriate physical activity program.  Also called a treadmill test, a stress test uses an ECG to measure how the heart performs during activity, such as walking on a moving treadmill.  A medication stress test uses medication instead of exercise to increase the heart rate.

Holter monitoring

A holter monitor is a small, portable machine that records the heart’s electrical activity.  The person wearing the monitor keeps track of symptoms and activities for the evaluation period.  Readings on the machine are compared to the symptoms.  

MRI

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses special scanning techniques to provide images of body tissues.   MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) uses MRI to examine blood vessels.

Nuclear ventriculography

Nuclear ventriculography, also called radionuclide ventriculography, uses small amounts of radioactive material to check heart function either while the body is at rest or during exercise.  This test can also be used to check the blood vessels that go to the brain.

PET scan

A PET (positron emission tomography) scan uses special scanning techniques to provide images of body tissues. 

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Maybe your health care provider has told you that you are at high risk for heart disease.  Or, perhaps you already have had a heart attack.  Having diabetes means that you are much more likely to have coronary artery (heart) disease, a heart attack, or a stroke.

The good news is that you can take steps to prevent heart disease or reduce your chances of having another heart attack.  Lifestyle changes, such as choosing foods wisely and being physically active, as well as taking medication can help. 

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is caused by a narrowing or blocking of the blood vessels that go to your heart.  It’s the most common form of heart disease.  Your blood carries oxygen and other needed materials to your heart.  Blood vessels to your heart can become partially or totally blocked by fatty deposits.  A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to your heart is reduced or cut off.

What steps can I take to prevent coronary artery disease?

You can lower your risk by keeping your ABCs of diabetes on target with wise food choices, physical activity, and medication.  Losing weight can also help you manage your ABCs and prevent heart disease.   Every step you take will help.  The closer your numbers are to your targets, the better your chances of preventing heart disease or cutting your risk for another heart attack.  If you smoke, get help to quit.

A is for A-1-C

An A-1-C is the blood glucose (sugar) check “with a memory.”  It tells you your average blood glucose for the past 2 to 3 months.  The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people aim for an A-1-C below 7.

B is for blood pressure

Your blood pressure numbers tell you the force of blood inside your blood vessels.  When your blood pressure is high, your heart has to work harder than it should.  The ADA recommends that you keep your blood pressure below 130/80 (said as “130 over 80”) mmHg.

C is for cholesterol

Your cholesterol numbers tell you the amount of fat in your blood.  Some kinds, like HDL cholesterol, help protect your heart.  Other kinds, like LDL cholesterol, can clog your blood vessels and lead to heart disease.  Triglycerides are another kind of blood fat that raises your risk for heart disease.  The chart below gives the targets suggested by the ADA. 

What can I do to reach my ABC targets?

Making wise food choices, being physically active, and taking medications can help you reach your targets.

Make wise food choices

Many people find that changing what they eat can make a big difference in their blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.  Below are several strategies for making wise food choices.  Determine which ones you would be willing to try.  For more information about how to make these changes, talk with your health care team.

• I’ll eat less fat, especially saturated fat (found in fatty meats, poultry skin, butter, 2% or whole milk, ice cream, cheese, palm oil, coconut oil, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, lard, and shortening).

• I’ll choose lean meats and meat substitutes.

• I’ll switch to low-fat or fat-free dairy products.

• I’ll eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

• I’ll cut back on foods that are high in cholesterol (such as egg yolks, high-fat meat and poultry, and high-fat dairy products).

• I’ll choose the kinds of fat that can help lower my cholesterol, such as olive oil or canola oil.  Nuts also have a healthy type of fat.

• I’ll eat fish two or three times a week, choosing kinds that are high in heart-protective fat (such as albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, rainbow trout, sardines, and salmon).

• I’ll cook using low-fat methods (such as baking, roasting, or grilling foods or by using nonstick pans and cooking sprays).

• I’ll eat more foods that are high in fiber (such as oatmeal, oat bran, dried beans and peas like kidney beans, fruits, and vegetables). 

• I’ll eat less salt and sodium.

Lose weight or take steps to prevent weight gain

• I’ll cut down on calories and fat.

• I’ll try to be more physically active than I am now.

Be physically active

Before you start a new routine, check with your health care team to find out which activities will be safe for you.  Then think about how you can add more activity to your routine.  If you’re just starting out, begin with 5 minutes a day and gradually add more time.  Then work up to doing a total of about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, most days of the week.

Take medications

Medications are available to help you reach your ABC targets and lower your risk of another heart attack.  You may need several medications to stay on track. 

Some types of blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medications can protect your heart.  Your health care provider can provide information about which medications are best for you.

Aspirin can also help lower your risk of heart disease.  Ask your provider whether taking a low-dose aspirin every day would be wise.

What can help me quit smoking?

If you’re ready to quit, talk with your health care team.  They can help you find ways to quit.   Joining a support group or smoking-cessation program can also help.

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