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Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular Disease - damage to the heart and blood circulation caused by fatty deposits on the linings of the blood vessels. This restricts the flow of blood around the body.

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of ill-health and early death population in general. However people with diabetes have four times the risk of coronary heart disease, strokes and circulation problems.

Symptoms
Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease
Treatment

Symptoms

Partial blockage of the blood vessels of the heart cause angina and increase the risk of heart attacks. Partial blockage of the blood vessels of the legs can cause pain on walking and increase the risk of ulcers and gangrene. The narrowing of the blood vessels, which supply the brain and the risk of the fatty, deposits breaking loose increase the risk of strokes.

There are no particular symptoms of cardiovascular disease. The known risk factors are the same as those for the general population and include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity. However, diabetes itself appears to be an extra risk factor.

Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease

It is difficult to diagnose cardiovascular disease in the early stages, however it is important to identify particular risk factors and manage them by encouraging lifestyle change or prescribing medication where appropriate. This preventative approach should help reduce the risk of developing more serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and leg ulcers.

You should have regular medical examinations preferably annually this should include measurement of your weight, blood pressure, an examination of your eyes and feet. Blood samples for long term blood glucose control and cholesterol levels should also be taken and your urine should be tested. Your doctor may decide to carry out further tests if these are indicated.

Treatment

Lifestyle changes have the potential to reduce most of the risks associated with cardiovascular disease. Increasing levels of physical activity, loosing weight and stopping smoking.

Stopping smoking probably has the most dramatic effect on the risk of cardiovascular disease. If you are unable to stop smoking talk to your doctor about trying nicotine replacement treatment.

The results showed that it is important to try to keep both blood glucose and blood pressure levels as near normal as possible. Blood glucose levels should be between 4-7 mmols before meals and blood pressure should be treated if it rises above 140/70 mmHg.

Physical activity improves the action of insulin and helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels that contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Changing the amount of fat in the diet can reduce cholesterol; fish oils can help improve cholesterol levels. Drug therapy can also be used to improve cholesterol levels.

It can also be beneficial to take small amounts of aspirin daily especially where the risk of heart attack or stoke is high.

And finally...

Remember that any lifestyle changes you can make will have the biggest effect on your risks for cardiovascular complications.

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