Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes.
Having diabetes means you are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes heart disease and stroke. In fact, people with diabetes are about twice as likely to have heart problems compared to those without diabetes.
This is because high blood sugar over time can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. But the good news is that there are many steps you can take to lower your risk and protect your heart.
- Blood vessel damage - high blood sugar can damage the walls of blood vessels, making it easier for fatty deposits to build up and block them.
- Nerve damage - diabetes can damage the nerves that help control your heart and blood vessels.
- Other risk factors - people with diabetes are also more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and be either overweight or obese which add to heart risks.
- Manage your blood sugar - keeping your blood glucose within your target range protects your blood vessels and reduce the likelihood of developing heart and/or circulatory disease.
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol - work with your GP or diabetes team to manage these, using medication if needed.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle
- Diet - eat balanced, healthy meals helps manage blood sugar and cholesterol.
- Exercise - aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming), plus some resistance/strength exercises.
- Quit smoking - stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart and overall health.
Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death in people with diabetes. The risk is higher and can occur at a younger age than in people without diabetes.
By managing your diabetes well, you can protect your heart, allow you to live longer, and feel healthier.
Heart UK is the UK’s only cholesterol charity, providing support, information and influencing services for families and health professionals.
Their vision is to prevent early disease and deaths from cholesterol and other blood fat (lipid) conditions in the UK. And for people to know and understand their cholesterol and other blood fat (lipid) levels and take appropriate action.
HEART UK - The Cholesterol Charity
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the nation's heart charity and the largest independent funder of cardiovascular research. Their pioneering research has helped to transform the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions.
They also help millions of people every year with up-to-date information about heart disease so the UK public are better informed. Whether you are living with heart disease, supporting a friend or family member you can share your experiences, stories, tips and ideas with other people in the online community.
Heart Helpline: 0300 330 3322 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
https://healthunlocked.com/bhf
Shropshire Heart Failure Service – a collaboration between The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, NHS Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire County PCT has resulted in the development of a Heart Failure Service for the people of Shropshire.
The Shropshire Heart Failure service is underpinned by a multi-professional team working across the primary/secondary care interface. There are 3 Heart Failure Specialist Nurses based at the Princess Royal Hospital and 3 at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
The aim of the service is to improve outcomes in Chronic Heart Failure by impacting on quality of life, reducing hospital length of stay and hospital re-admissions and where appropriate, improving the end-of-life experience for patients and carers.
Heart Failure Service provision includes:
- Access to appropriate investigations to confirm or refute the diagnosis of heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction
- Advisory role to Health Care Professionals
- Patients/carer education
- Optimisation of evidence-based treatment
- Follow up telephone contact/support
- Patient advice line
- There is NICE guidance for all phenotypes of Heart Failures – please visit: Overview | Chronic heart failure in adults: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE
Heart Failure Service
Telephone: (Princess Royal Hospital) 01952 641222 ext. 4097
Email: sath.heartassessmentteamadmin-prh@nhs.net
Cardiac Rehabilitation Service
Telephone: (Royal Shrewsbury Hospital) 01743 261463
Email: sath.heartassessmentteam@nhs.net
Referrals for patients with a GP in Powys should be emailed directly to: Powys.CardiacSpecialistNurses@wales.nhs.uk
