November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, providing an ideal opportunity to learn about how diabetes can mask the warning signs of a heart attack and what you can do about it.
At Macomb Medical Clinic, P.C., in Sterling Heights, Michigan, Dr. Mark R. Rosenberg and his team of health care providers are committed to preventive medicine and empowering patients with essential information about their health.
Here’s what they want you to know about the relationship between diabetes and heart disease.
Over time, high blood glucose from diabetes can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. This damage can lead to cardiovascular problems. People with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke as those without diabetes.
One of the most dangerous aspects of having diabetes is that it can cause nerve damage, a condition called diabetic neuropathy. That can affect nerves throughout your body, including the ones that send pain signals from your heart.
When these nerves suffer damage, you may not experience the typical chest pain that indicates a heart attack. That’s known as a “silent” heart attack.
Instead of chest pain, you might experience:
Because these symptoms can be subtle, they’re often mistaken for other, less serious conditions. That can lead to a dangerous delay in seeking medical attention.
The good news is that you can take steps to lower your risk of heart disease. At Macomb Medical Clinic, we work with our patients to create personalized plans to manage their diabetes and protect their hearts. Your plan may include:
Maintaining your blood sugar levels within your target range is crucial to preventing or delaying complications, such as heart disease.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors for heart disease. We can help you manage these with lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication.
Recommended lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking.
If you have diabetes, it's crucial to work closely with your health care team. To learn more about managing your diabetes and protecting your heart, call our office today to schedule an appointment at Macomb Medical Clinic.
