By: CDC

Heart and blood vessel problems are the main causes of sickness and death among people with diabetes. These problems can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Heart and blood vessel problems can also cause poor circulation (blood flow) in the legs and feet.

You’re more likely to have heart and blood vessel problems if you smoke cigarettes, have high blood pressure, or have too much cholesterol or other fats in your blood. Talk with your health care team about what you can do to lower your risk for heart and blood vessel problems. Ask about taking a daily aspirin to help prevent heart and blood vessel problems.

Signs of Diabetic Heart Problems

I f you feel dizzy, have sudden loss of sight, slur your speech, or feel numb or weak in one arm or leg, you may be having serious heart and blood vessel problems. Your blood may not be getting to your brain as well as it should. Danger signs of circulation problems to the heart include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, swollen ankles, or irregular heartbeats.

If you have any of these signs, go to an emergency room or call your health care provider right away. Signs of circulation problems to your legs are pain or cramping in your buttocks, thighs, or calves during physical activity. Even if this pain goes away with rest, report it to your health care provider.

Preventing Heart Problems

• Eat Right and Get Physical Activity
• Choose a healthy diet, low in salt. Work with a dietitian to plan healthy meals. If you’re overweight, talk about how to safely lose weight. Ask about a physical activity or exercise program for you. See A Few Things About Food to read more about healthy choices for food and physical activity.

Don’t Use Tobacco

Smoking cigarettes causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. When you have diabetes and also use tobacco, the risk of heart and blood vessel problems is even greater.

One of the best choices you can make for your health is to never start smoking—or if you smoke, to quit.At least once a year, your health care provider will ask you about tobacco use. If you smoke, talk to your provider about ways to help you stop.

Check Your Blood Pressure

Get your blood pressure checked at each visit. Record these numbers on the record sheets. If your blood pressure is higher than 130/80, ask what steps to take to reach your goal. If your blood pressure is still high after 3 months, you may need medicine to help control it.

Many medicines are available to treat high blood pressure. If you have side effects from the medicine, ask your health care provider to change it. Talk to your health care team about whether you need medicine to take charge of your blood pressure.