Heart Attack

High blood sugars increase the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).
A common cause of CAD is atherosclerosis. This is also known as hardening of the arteries. This causes arteries or blood vessels to become narrowed or clogged. When the blood vessels that supply the heart dont get enough blood and oxygen, it leads to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. Angina is a temporary blockage or narrowing of the artery. A heart attack permanently damages the heart muscle. One third of all heart attacks lead to death.

Heart disease is the most common long-term health problem for diabetics. It is also the leading cause of death in diabetes.

Some people get warning signs of CAD. These early signs are:

• Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort in upper body, including chest, arms, neck, back or jaw.
• Unusual shortness of breath (most common heart symptom for diabetics)
• Dizziness / lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unusual fatigue or tiredness
• New irregularities in pulse / heart rate
• Heavy sweating or a cold sweat

If these symptoms occur stop and rest.
If the symptoms of angina do not stop after 5 minutes of resting take your Nitroglycerin (NTG) pill / spray as it has been prescribed for you.

• Place one tablet (or spray) under your tongue
• Wait 5 minutes
• If there is still discomfort, take a second pill / spray
• Wait 5 minutes
• If there is still discomfort, take a third pill / spray
• If there is still discomfort after the 3rd pill / spray call 911 (or Emergency Services).

If you do not have a prescription for NTG and the discomfort is not gone after resting for 5 minutes, call 911.

Notify your physician, even if the pain went away with either rest or 1-2 Nitroglycerin pills.

Prevention
You can prevent heart disease.

• Keep your blood sugars under good control. Aim for blood sugars of 80mg/dl-120mg/dl before meals, and 100mg/dl-140mg/dl at bedtime.
• Keep your Hemoglobin A1c (a 3 month average blood sugar test) at 7% or less.
• Dont smoke
• Eat a healthy diet
• Lose weight if needed. Losing even 10-20 pounds can help.
• Exercise most days
• Work with your health care team to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Your doctor may also advise you take certain drugs to help lower your risk of heart attack.

Questions?
If you have further questions about hypertension, contact your diabetes healthcare team.

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