Heart disease in patients who have both coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes can be prevented by effective treatment. A common condition in type 2 diabetes, heart failure has been found to be more serious in diabetics, compared to individuals without the condition.
Heart failure is often linked to atherosclerotic coronary heart disease. To improve the blood flow, CAD patients undergo either a bypass surgery or catheter balloon dilation. The study found that every other type 2 diabetes patient is treated for coronary artery disease with one of these treatments.
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As the long-term effects of these procedures have been long unknown, the study looked at the outcomes in over 35,000 heart failure patients with over a quarter of them having type 2 diabetes as well. The researchers found that within eight years of heart failure onset, the risk of death was higher among type 2 diabetics. The prognosis was even worse for diabetics with coronary heart disease. On the other hand, the prospects of long-term survival were more favorable for patients who had gone for coronary artery surgery prior to heart failure.
Researcher Isabelle Johansson said, “Our study indicates that revasculising coronary artery surgery can do much to improve the prognosis. A decision must be taken as to whether this is possible should be made without delay for all patients with combined type 2 diabetes and heart failure.”
The study also found that over 90 percent of type 2 diabetics have one or more precursors for heart failure, such as high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation. Johansson explained that there should be a greater focus on heart failure prevention in type 2 diabetics in order to reduce the risk of complications and disease progression.
Tips to prevent heart failure and coronary artery disease
In order to better prevent heart failure, there are simple lifestyle changes to keep in mind. It makes sense to find ways to manage your stress, since it can increase your blood pressure. Deep breathing, meditation, and even yoga are all viable options. Another suggestion is to get sufficient sleep. Our bodies repair themselves while we are sleeping. When people follow a set bedtime routine and eliminate distractions like TV, laptops, and cellphones, they have a better chance of getting a good sleep.
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Dieticians insist that preventing heart failure isn’t just about avoiding certain foods or incorporating nutritious foods into the diet, it is also about managing portions. Figure out how much you are consuming and how much you really need to eat. Also ensure that your meals are balanced. Avoid sugar, salt, processed foods, and saturated fat.
Tobacco use is a major risk factor for heart disease, so if you are a smoker, ask your doctor to help you with a plan to quit. You should also try to avoid second-hand smoke. Talking to your doctor about controlling your blood pressure or your cholesterol if either are issues is equally important. Sometimes, a minor lifestyle adjustment can address a blood pressure or cholesterol concern. There is also a possibility that the doctor will prescribe a medication to help control the problem.
Working with your doctor and uncovering your risk factors for heart failure can help you develop a plan to reduce your risk.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
