Preventive Screening for Heart Disease in People with Diabetes
Diabetes is not just about blood sugar—it also significantly increases the risk of heart disease. People with diabetes have twice the risk of developing heart disease. The dangerous part is that heart disease remains silent until it reaches the advanced stage. That is why we need to do periodic heart check-ups and preventive screening to catch the early signs of trouble and protect long-term heart health.
Why Heart Screening is Important in Diabetes
When a person has uncontrolled diabetes for a long period of time, the blood vessels and nerves that control the heart get damaged. This leads to plaque build-up (atherosclerosis), reduced oxygen supply and high blood pressure. High cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels combined with a poor lifestyle create a “perfect condition” for heart disease to develop. Screening acts as an early warning system, allowing timely intervention through medication, lifestyle changes, or advanced care if required.
Key Preventive Screenings for Heart Health
- Blood Pressure Monitoring
People with diabetes often have high blood pressure. When the blood pressure is always high, the strain on the heart and kidneys increases. Regular checks help in early detection and management. - Lipid Profile Test
High LDL and triglycerides and low HDL levels damage the heart and blood vessels. By doing a lipid profile test, we can identify the abnormalities and take appropriate action. - Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An ECG needs to be done at least once a year to know about irregular heartbeats, silent heart attacks or signs of blocked arteries. - Echocardiogram
ECHO is a type of scan that gives an idea of how well your heart pumps. - Stress Test / Treadmill Test
Some blockages do not show up during rest. Hence, a stress or treadmill test is used to check your heart’s functioning during physical activity.
How Often Should You Get Screened?
- Blood pressure check: Once a month and whenever you visit your doctor, check your blood pressure without fail.
- Lipid profile: Once every 6 months, do a lipid profile test.
- ECG: Once a year, do an ECG.
- Advanced tests (such as ECHO and treadmill): As and when recommended by your doctor.
Lifestyle Measures Along with Screenings
Periodic check-ups, along with a healthy lifestyle, are essential to prevent heart disease.
- Balanced Diet: Choose whole grains over refined cereals. Choose healthy fats over trans-fats. Have more green leaves, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
- Physical Activity: Do regular exercise for at least 45 minutes daily.
- Weight Management: When you lose 2 or 5 kg of weight, your risk for heart disease also decreases.
- Quit Smoking: Chronic smoking damages the blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease.
- Stress Management: Do yoga, meditation and pranayama regularly. These are necessary to reduce the stress levels. Stress can affect blood sugars and your heart.
Early Intervention Saves Lives
When you do preventive screening early in your life, the chances of preventing heart disease increase. By having regular medications, a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can prevent the complications early. For example, detecting narrowing of arteries before a heart attack happens can literally be life-saving.
For people with diabetes, protecting the heart must be as much of a priority as managing blood sugar. Preventive screenings like blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, ECGs, and advanced scans provide early insights and reduce risks of sudden complications. Paired with a healthy lifestyle, these screenings offer the strongest defence against heart disease and help ensure long-term well-being.
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