You may think your heart is perfectly healthy, especially if you’re getting regular checkups and following the advice of your healthcare professionals. However, researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have discovered a silent danger that could be slowly damaging your heart, especially if you have diabetes.
The Unseen Danger Lurking Behind Diabetes
According to the study, individuals with diabetes and seemingly healthy cardiovascular systems have a six-fold increased risk of experiencing heart failure. This is because, when blood tests were performed on people with diabetes, half of them were found to have proteins in their blood, signaling that heart cells were dying.
The findings are alarming and serve as a wake-up call for a significant number of people with diabetes who are unknowingly suffering from small but potentially life-threatening damage to their heart muscles due to elevated blood sugar levels.
Previously, it was believed that heart disease in diabetics was mainly caused by atherosclerosis or the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. Now, researchers have found that many diabetics are at risk of heart failure and death unrelated to cholesterol or artery issues.
According to Elizabeth Selvin, a researcher and epidemiology professor at Johns Hopkins, these findings turn the current understanding of heart damage in diabetics upside down. It appears that diabetes may be harming heart muscle in ways experts had never considered before.
Statins May Not Be the Answer
Oftentimes, doctors prescribe statins to patients with diabetes, believing that these drugs can help reduce cholesterol and stave off heart problems. However, the study conducted at Hopkins reveals that diabetes may pose a threat to the heart in ways completely unrelated to cholesterol.
Selvin points out that statin treatment may not be enough to prevent damage to the heart in people with diabetes. Even without noticeable symptoms, she believes that there is microvascular damage occurring to the heart, which can lead to heart failure and even death.
To protect their heart health, people with diabetes should consult with their healthcare providers and discuss additional ways to reduce the risk of heart damage.
Other Ways to Protect Your Heart
Along with taking statins, there are several other lifestyle changes and health strategies that can help individuals with diabetes prevent heart damage:
- Regular exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can improve your cardiovascular health and help lower blood sugar levels. Aim to engage in moderate aerobic activities, like brisk walking, swimming, or biking, for at least 150 minutes per week.
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Eat a balanced diet: A heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium can help prevent heart disease. Focus on consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
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Control blood sugar levels: Keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range is crucial for maintaining good overall health and preventing heart damage. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and work closely with your healthcare team to establish an effective management plan.
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Manage stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact your heart health, so it’s essential to find healthy ways to cope with stressors in your life. Engage in relaxing activities, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation to help alleviate stress.
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Don’t smoke: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease and other health complications. If you are a smoker, speak with your healthcare provider about strategies and resources available to help you quit.
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Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol in moderation, usually defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, may have some heart health benefits. However, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, and other health problems.
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Get regular check-ups: Visit your healthcare provider for routine check-ups and screenings. This can help detect potential health issues early, allowing for timely treatment and intervention.
By taking proactive steps to manage your diabetes and heart health, you can reduce the risk of heart failure and other life-threatening complications. Don’t be caught off guard by silent dangers lurking in the shadows; arm yourself with knowledge and take charge of your well-being today.
