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Diabetes and the Heart

 

 

Complications of diabetes that can affect the Heart and Blood Vessels

Diabetics can have other complications that affect the heart and overall cardiovascular system or increase their chances of developing heart disease. The two main complications of diabetes most likely to increase the development of heart disease in diabetics or affect the circulatory system are:

Diabetic kidney disease (nephropathy) - Diabetes can cause kidney disease which is known to cause high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure puts additional strain/pressure on blood vessels already weakened or damaged by the effects of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Studies have shown a link between the early stage of kidney disease called microalbuminuria and the development of heart disease.

Diabetic nerve damage (Diabetic neuropathy) - Damage to the nerves within the cardiovascular system can interfere with blood circulation, by disrupting nerve signals that regulate blood pressure and control heart rate. According to the British Heart Journal it is suggested that in some cases sudden cardiac death can occur as a result of diabetic neuropathy.

 

 

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