DIABETES & HEART DISEASE: MANAGING YOUR RISKS
Heart attacks and diabetes are often linked, and the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles for people with diabetes. Diabetics are also more likely to develop heart disease or have strokes at a younger age than non-diabetics, and should take steps to reduce their risk beginning at a young age.
DIABETES & HEART DISEASE:
MANAGING YOUR RISKS
Key Takeaways
DIABETICS HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF HEART DISEASE.
MANAGE DIABETES TO LOWER YOUR RISK OF HEART ATTACK
Proper management of diabetes is a sound way to prevent heart attacks.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR IF AN ASPIRIN REGIMEN IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Aspirin can help improve blood flow, so ask your doctor if an aspirin regimen is right for you.
Some Studies have revealed a surprising fact regarding heart disease and diabetes: A middle-aged, type 2 diabetic's risk of having a first heart attack is about equal to that of a similarly ages non-diabetic, but diabetics have a much higher risk of having a second heart attack.
What Diabetics Can Do to Lower Their Risk
The American Heart Association® considers diabetes to be one of the seven major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. If you’re diabetic, your best defense against heart disease is to manage your diabetes properly.
Here are some easy steps you can take to lower your risk:
Eat Right
To reduce your risk of heart attack, eat a heart healthy diet that is high in fiber (found in certain vegetables) and low in saturated fat (found in red meat and dairy products) and trans fat (found in heavy baked goods and margarine). Always read labels to make sure you stay under 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar
If you don’t monitor your blood sugar regularly, your insulin levels can get out of balance, which can damage your blood vessels.
Stay Active
To keep your heart strong and your blood vessels from getting clogged with fatty plaque deposits, aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity several days a week. Choose exercises you enjoy instead of those you dislike so you’re more likely to stick with your fitness program. Talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine.
Control Your Weight
Almost 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Keeping your weight in a normal range reduces your heart’s work load, and might even help you get rid of your type 2 diabetes.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking hurts your heart and harms your body in a number of ways. There are a variety of successful cessation programs to choose from, and many are covered by insurance. Get your doctor’s advice on finding the best plan to help you kick the habit.
Talk to Your Doctor about Aspirin
A doctor-directed regimen of low dose aspirin can help keep your blood flowing. Check with your doctor to see if an aspirin regimen is right for you.
Get Regular Checkups
Don’t try to manage your heart disease and diabetes risks on your own. Schedule regular checkups with your doctor and ask plenty of questions about the relationship between diabetes and heart disease.
It takes constant diligence to manage diabetes properly. But a little bit of effort makes great strides in preventing heart disease.
Aspirin regimen products for recurrent heart attack prevention
Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
HEART ATTACK SURVIVOR STORIES
BETTY B
"I am thankful for each day and the opportunities it brings to share my experiences with others."
KEN L
"I’ve changed my diet to minimize fat and salt. I’m learning to read labels and make healthy choices."
CINDY B
"It all comes down to listening – the cardiologists listening to us, and not just with their stethoscopes – and us listening to the cardiologists. Without both of these, there are no winners!"
RANDY W
"I now take a low dose Bayer Aspirin regimen, and I was told that the aspirin I was given during my heart attack helped save my life! Thanks for being there for me Bayer!"
Bayer® Aspirin is available in a variety of doses and forms.
Learn more by clicking on a product below.
Use as directed.
1 This tool is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, medical advice, or medical treatment. Contact your healthcare provider after using the tool to discuss your heart health or if you have any health concerns.
2 Estimated risk of a cardiovascular event, specifically, the risk of a heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI) or stroke in the next five years.