Heart Attacks and Diabetes – What You Need to Know

Guest Post

One of the worst complications of type II diabetes is a heart attack. Sometimes people that are suffering from diabetes cannot feel the pain that goes along with one of these attacks, which can be very dangerous. As well, certain fats that are found in high levels in the blood can clog the vessels and lead to a heart attack.

In a recent study, 220 diabetics were given several tests to find out which ones, if any, had experienced a heart attack without even knowing it. All of the participants didn’t have a history of ever having chest pains.

The results showed that more than 29% had heart areas that weren’t receiving enough blood to them and that 64% were suffering from clogged arteries.

Participants in the study that had heart problems also had more blood fats, low HDL levels, high LDL levels and higher cholesterol levels. People that are suffering from type II diabetes need to keep these levels monitored regularly to ensure a healthy heart.

Eating healthy foods to raise the HDL level is also recommended. Canola and olive oils as well as nuts will help as well as avoiding animal fats, margarine and butter. Regular physical activity will also raise the HDL levels as will quitting smoking.

Diabetes is on the rise in this nation and according to the trends this isn’t likely to stabilize soon. There are more and more people carrying extra weight around and junk food has become lower-priced than healthy quality foods. It is easier to grab a quick candy bar than it is to prepare a few veggies for a snack. In today’s fast-paced society, it has become an eat-on-the-run sort of existence that doesn’t leave a lot of time available for simple food preparation.

Diabetics especially need to refocus and regroup in order to remain as healthy as possible and lessen the possibility of a silent heart attack. It is possible to take charge of your LDL and HDL levels to keep them within an acceptable range.

Living with diabetes is often just a matter of taking charge and remaining 100% responsible for keeping your condition under control. By making the right lifestyle choices your chances of succumbing to a heart attack as a diabetic will be lessened and you’ll have more energy and vitality in the meantime to enjoy life to the fullest.

Sharon Freeman is a freelancer who writes about Shoulder Surgery and health information for companies like Kaliper Orthopedics.

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