Comprehensive Cardiac Care for Diabetic Patients
Our specialized diabetic heart care program provides integrated management of diabetes and cardiovascular health, focusing on prevention, early detection, and treatment of diabetes-related heart complications.
Important Connection
Adults with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to develop heart disease or stroke than those without diabetes. Proper management of both conditions is essential for reducing cardiovascular risk.
How Diabetes Affects Heart Health
Diabetes-Heart Disease Connection
- High blood sugar damages blood vessels over time
- Accelerates development of atherosclerosis (hardened arteries)
- Increases risk of high blood pressure
- Contributes to abnormal cholesterol levels
- Promotes inflammation throughout the body
- Can lead to diabetic cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)
Our Comprehensive Diabetic Heart Care Approach
Our specialized program led by Dr. Abdul Razzaq addresses the unique cardiovascular challenges faced by diabetic patients through an integrated care model:
Key Components of Diabetic Heart Care
We employ a comprehensive approach to managing cardiovascular health in diabetic patients through multiple strategies:
- HbA1c Targets: Individualized goals based on cardiovascular risk (generally <7% for most patients)
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Advanced technology for better glycemic control
- Time-in-Range Optimization: Maximizing time spent in target blood sugar range
- Hypoglycemia Prevention: Avoiding dangerous low blood sugar episodes that can stress the heart
- Medication Selection: Choosing diabetes medications with cardiovascular benefits
We implement evidence-based strategies to protect your heart:
- Blood Pressure Control: Target typically <130 /80 mmHg for most diabetic patients
- Cholesterol Management: Aggressive LDL cholesterol lowering (often <70 mg /dL)
- Antiplatelet Therapy: Low-dose aspirin when appropriate for cardiovascular prevention
- ACE Inhibitors/ARBs: Often recommended for kidney and heart protection
- SGLT2 Inhibitors & GLP-1 RAs: Diabetes medications with proven cardiovascular benefits
Specialized lifestyle recommendations for diabetic heart health:
- Diabetes Heart-Healthy Diet: Balanced nutrition focusing on blood sugar control and cardiovascular benefits
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise that improves insulin sensitivity and heart health
- Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining healthy weight to reduce cardiac strain
- Stress Reduction: Techniques to manage stress that affects both blood sugar and blood pressure
- Smoking Cessation: Critical for diabetic patients due to multiplied cardiovascular risks
Diabetes-Specific Cardiovascular Complications
We specialize in preventing, detecting, and treating heart conditions that particularly affect diabetic patients:
Coronary Artery Disease
- Often presents with "silent ischemia" (no chest pain)
- More extensive and diffuse blockages
- Higher risk of heart attacks
- Earlier onset than non-diabetic patients
Heart Failure
- Diabetic cardiomyopathy independent of artery blockages
- Higher risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
- Worse outcomes after heart failure diagnosis
- Specific medications show particular benefit
Autonomic Neuropathy
- Nerve damage affecting heart rate and blood pressure control
- Resting tachycardia (fast heart rate)
- Orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops when standing)
- Silent myocardial ischemia
Peripheral Artery Disease
- Increased risk of limb circulation problems
- Higher amputation risk without proper care
- Often accompanied by neuropathy
- Requires specialized vascular assessment
Advanced Screening Recommendations
Diabetic patients often require more frequent and earlier cardiovascular screening, including stress tests, echocardiograms, and advanced lipid testing, even without symptoms. We develop personalized screening plans based on your diabetes duration, control, and other risk factors.