Watch for Heart Disease

Posted: Nov. 1, 2004

Heart and blood vessel problems are the main causes of sickness and death among people with diabetes. These problems can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. Heart and blood vessel problems also can cause poor circulation (blood flow) in the legs and feet.

You’re more likely to have heart and blood vessel problems if you smoke cigarettes, have high blood pressure or have too much cholesterol or other fats in your blood.

Talk with your health care team about what you can do to lower your risk for heart and blood vessel problems.

Signs of heart and blood vessel problems
If you feel dizzy, have sudden loss of sight, slur your speech or feel numb or weak in one arm or leg, you may be having serious heart and blood vessel problems. Your blood may not be getting to your brain as well as it should.

Danger signs of circulation problems to the heart include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, swollen ankles or irregular heartbeats. If you have any of these signs, go to an emergency room or call your health care provider right away.

Signs of circulation problems to your legs are pain or cramping in your buttocks, thighs, or calves during physical activity. Even if this pain goes away with rest, report it to your health care provider.

Ask if you need an electrocardiogram (EKG)
If you’re having heart and blood circulation problems, an EKG may help you and your health care provider know if you need to change your treatment.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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