World Heart Day 2023: Understanding The Link Between Diabetes And Heart Disease

Hypertension and diabetes are prevalent in our country both of which cause complications like heart disease, brain-stroke, retinopathy, and kidney problems.

Hypertension and diabetes are prevalent in our country both of which cause complications like heart disease, brain-stroke, retinopathy, and kidney problems. Dr. Subash Chandra, who is in the Cardiology, Cardiac Sciences, Cardiac Electrophysiology-Pacemaker and Interventional Cardiology department at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital called India as the diabetic capital of the world and said that the metabolic syndrome comprising of a triad of insulin resistance Dyslipidemia and obesity is peculiarly high in Indian diaspora.

Taling about the cause behind this, Dr Chandra said, "This is largely due to wrong food habits and lack of exercise in daily life leading to obesity and premature diabetes. Diabetics have diffused coronary artery disease appearing a decade early in life. Young heart attacks, poor angioplasty outcomes, and higher complication rates due to slow flow of blood in coronaries are some of the inherent complications of diabetes. Heart failure in diabetics are common due to heart attacks as well as cardiomyopathy. It’s important to strictly control diabetes using best cardio protective drugs besides life style changes. In addition to that, regular exercise for 30 min a day on 5 days a week and avoiding fatty food is the key to a healthy heart."

What Is the Link Between Diabetes And Heart Disease?

In this regard, Dr Shaibal Chakraborty, who is an MBBS, DIP.DIAB & DIP.CARD, and Chief Medical Advisor at GD Hospital & Diabetes Institute said, "Uncontrolled blood sugar causes hardening of the arteries, either the big one- macrovascular, or the smaller one- microvascular, and that is how when the blood supply to the target organ or intended organ is diminished, the organ gets difficulty."

"In recent times, many younger people have died suddenly due to heart disease; out of which most of them have been suffering from diabetes, which may not have been properly diagnosed. One of the common things is that many hypertension patients have diabetes, and many diabetes patients with hypertension also have high cholesterol," he continued to say.

"These are called lifestyle diseases, so cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes are interlinked, and there are other pathophysiological in-depth mechanisms. So during the initial part of diabetes and hypertension, we should be more strict in controlling those symptoms and getting the targets right- for blood pressure 120/80, blood sugar fasting 100 or pp 150, cholesterol below 200, and LDL below 100. These are the targets that we should intend to achieve through our various lifestyle diseases and proper consultation with our respective physicians," he added.

Additioanlly, Dr M S Purkait, who is a Medical Superintendent, at Techno India Dama Hospital said that there is a strong link between Diabetes and Heart disease and listed down the following:

• Diabetes causes damage to the blood vessels and nerves of the heart and other parts of the body over a period of time.


• It also causes narrowing of the blood vessels by increasing the level of bad cholesterol and allowing plaques to stick to the damaged lining causing a rise in the blood pressure.


• High blood pressure predisposes a person to heart attacks and brain strokes.


• People with Diabetes and Hypertension are twice as susceptible to heart attacks and brain strokes than the normal population.


• Diabetes also leads to heart failure ( appx 22 percent )ba condition in which the heart rate could be low and it is unable to pump properly leading to water retention in the body leading to serious kidney damage.


• It also leads to a dilated heart called cardiomyopathy.


• Diabetes damages the nervous system which may lead to silent heart attacks where there is absence of chest pain during a heart attack.


• It can also cause peripheral neuropathy and foot ulcers.


• Diabetes in pregnancy can predispose the foetus to congenital heart disease.

Salient Points On Diabetes And Heart Disease:

Dr Pulokesh Sinha, who is a Consultant Cardiologist at ILS Hospitals laid down a few salient points on diabetes and heart disease:

• Diabetes Increases Heart Disease Risk: Diabetes mellitus is a significant contributor to the development of cardiovascular disease.


• Higher Risk for Diabetics: People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to those without diabetes.


• Common Coronary Artery Disease: Diabetics often experience early-onset and severe coronary artery disease, characterized by widespread and severe artery blockages.


• Hidden Heart Attacks: Diabetic individuals are more prone to atypical heart attack symptoms, such as silent myocardial infarctions, making it crucial to remain vigilant.


• Holistic Management: Managing diabetes and heart disease risk involves lifestyle changes, including diet control, regular exercise, and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Additionally, addressing other risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity is essential.


• Revascularization Options: When treating diabetic patients with extensive coronary artery disease, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is often preferred over percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for better long-term outcomes.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]