Diabetes and heart disease are closely linked — people with diabetes are 2–4 times more likely to develop coronary artery disease. Dr. Jyotirmaya Dash, cardiologist in Kodambakkam, shares essential heart health tips for diabetic patients.
Why Diabetes Increases Heart Risk
High blood sugar damages blood vessel walls and promotes inflammation, accelerating plaque build-up in coronary arteries. Diabetes also raises triglycerides, lowers good cholesterol (HDL), and often coexists with hypertension — all major cardiac risk factors.
10 Heart Health Tips for Diabetics
- Control Your Blood Sugar — Aim for HbA1c below 7%. Tight glucose control reduces cardiovascular events significantly.
- Manage Blood Pressure — Target below 130/80 mmHg. Hypertension with diabetes is an especially dangerous combination.
- Optimise Your Cholesterol — LDL should ideally be below 70 mg/dL in high-risk diabetics. Statin therapy is often recommended.
- Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet — Focus on vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit refined carbohydrates, salt, and saturated fat.
- Exercise Regularly — 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week improves insulin sensitivity and reduces cardiac risk. Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise programme.
- Stop Smoking — Smoking doubles the risk of heart disease in diabetics. Quitting is the single most impactful lifestyle change.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight — Even a 5–10% weight loss can significantly reduce blood sugar, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk.
- Get Regular Cardiac Screening — Annual ECG, cholesterol panel, and kidney function tests are recommended for diabetics.
- Know Your Symptoms — Diabetics may have "silent" heart attacks without classic chest pain. Unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, or indigestion can be cardiac in origin.
- Take Your Medications — Certain diabetes medications (SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists) have proven cardiovascular benefits beyond glucose control.
When to See a Cardiologist
Every diabetic patient should have a baseline cardiac evaluation. If you have had diabetes for more than 5 years, or have any cardiac symptoms, schedule a consultation at The CardioCare Clinic, Kodambakkam.
Call: +91 99943 26835 | thecardiocareclinic@gmail.com