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The American Heart Association reports that a minimum of 66% of people who suffer from diabetes will die as a result of a heart problem or a stroke. That number can be as high as 75%. That is an extraordinarily high number and the frightening statistics don't stop there. A person with diabetes is as likely to have a heart attack as a person without diabetes who has already suffered from a heart attack. Additionally, a person with diabetes is 5 times more likely to die from a heart disease than a person without. Clearly, it is of the utmost importance to be aware of these problems and to know how to combat them as best as possible.

Heart disease for people in diabetes is typically caused by atherosclerosis, or the hardening of coronary arteries. This hardening is due to the buildup of cholesterol plaque in the arteries. People with diabetes are especially susceptible because their good cholesterol levels are typically not high enough while their bad cholesterol levels remain higher than normal. Bad cholesterol LDL cholesterol in people with diabetes also take on different properties such as being denser which can add to the problems.

The buildup can eventually become so thick that it completely blocks vital pathways for blood. This may cause the need for bypass surgeries to circumvent the blockage. Alternatively, this buildup can eventually break into smaller pieces that flow loose into the bloodstream as a blood clot and stop the flow of blood to your heart or your brain, resulting in a heart attack or stroke respectively.

Diabetics are also more likely to have hypertension, or very high blood pressure. This is another risk element that can factor into the potential serious consequences of heart disease, heart failure and heart attack.

There are a variety of ways to combat the likelihood of developing serious heart problems if you have diabetes. The first of which is all about important lifestyle and health choices. Some might seem obvious, such as quitting smoking and keeping your alcohol intake moderate, but not everyone follows through.

Additionally, you have to keep a strict watch over the types of foods you eat. You should avoid processed junks foods and anything with high levels of saturated fats. Opt instead for fresh, natural foods and foods containing healthy, unsaturated fats. Other foods to be avoided include those with very high sodium levels.

Meanwhile, exercise can help to increase your heart strength and help you to lose weight, which will correspondingly help even more. Participating in an active lifestyle and eating the right foods can go a long way towards fighting against diabetes related heart concerns. Additionally, there are many effective medications that can be used in tandem with these lifestyle approaches to make a bigger difference as well.

The statistics don't lie, heart disease could not be more of a serious problem for those with diabetes. The increased chance of a heart problem for diabetics is something that has to viewed seriously. The sooner that you take corrective actions in your lifestyle the more of a difference you can make. Be sure to consult a doctor to get accurate readings for various important measures such as your blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as to get his recommendations for appropriate medications.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Kirkman.
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