Diabetes and heart disease are closely linked. Over time, high blood sugar levels can affect blood vessels throughout the body, including those supplying the heart, which is why diabetes is considered an important cardiac risk factor.
Many people with diabetes do not have any heart-related symptoms for a long time, which makes periodic evaluation useful rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. This is particularly relevant if there is also a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
When discussing heart health with your doctor, it can help to ask about your overall cardiac risk profile, whether a baseline ECG or 2D Echo is advisable, and what symptoms should prompt an earlier visit.
Good diabetes control, along with the lifestyle measures your doctor recommends, plays an important role in supporting long-term heart health. A cardiologist can work alongside your physician or endocrinologist to look at the heart-specific side of your care.
This article is for general education and does not replace professional medical advice. Read our medical disclaimer. Related: High BP & Diabetes Heart Care.