DIABETES AND HEART DISEASE

(How to Reduce YOUR Risk)

 

 

Recent research has shown that patients with diabetes have the same risk of having a heart attack as someone who has been diagnosed with heart disease and/or already had a heart attack.  Additionally, coronary artery disease is the cause of death in 75% of diabetic patients.

There is good news though, too.  Research has also shown that the risk of heart disease death in diabetics can be reduced by 55% by taking a “statin” medication.  Also, the HOPE study showed that patients with diabetes had a dramatic reduction in heart disease events and strokes if they were taking an ACE inhibitor medication.

Here are things YOU can do to help lower YOUR risk:

1. Know your glucose (blood sugar) level.  A fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dl or higher on 2 different days could mean that you have diabetes.  If you have diabetes, know your A1C.  An A1C level of less than 7% is recommended.
2. Know your LDL cholesterol level.  The optimal LDL cholesterol level for an adult is below 100 mg/dl.  The American Diabetes Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines state that LDL should be treated to a goal of less than100mg/dl in all patients with diabetes.
3. Know your blood pressure.  If you have diabetes, the recommended blood pressure goal is less than 130/80.
4. If you have diabetes or heart disease and you are not taking a “statin” and an ACE or an ARB type of medication, talk to your doctor.  New research from the Heart Protection Study showed that taking a “statin” significantly reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and death in men and women (ages 40-80) regardless of their initial LDL cholesterol level.  Several other studies have shown that patients who take an ACE or ARB type of medication significantly reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.Be an ACTIVE PARTICIPANT in your care and take good care of YOU….because You Have A Heart For Life.

 

Ver 9.