Diabetes is more than a blood sugar problem — it’s a condition that silently affects nearly every organ of the body, especially the heart. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease or experience a stroke compared to those without it.
In this detailed guide, Dr. Ashish Jaiswal, a leading cardiologist in Varanasi, explains how diabetes and heart health are closely linked, why early care matters, and what you can do to protect your heart if you’re living with diabetes.
Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Heart Disease
When we talk about diabetes, we often think about high blood sugar levels. But over time, excess sugar in the bloodstream damages blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart.
This damage leads to atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits build up in the arteries, causing them to become stiff and narrow. As a result, blood flow to the heart and brain is reduced, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
In simple terms:
Diabetes weakens the heart’s foundation — the blood vessels — and affects its ability to function properly.
Why People With Diabetes Have a Higher Risk of Heart Disease
Dr. Ashish Jaiswal explains that several factors make diabetes a major contributor to cardiovascular problems. These include:
- High blood sugar: Causes direct damage to the lining of arteries.
- High blood pressure: Common in diabetics, increases the heart’s workload.
- High cholesterol levels: LDL (“bad”) cholesterol rises, HDL (“good”) cholesterol often drops.
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle: Both increase insulin resistance and heart stress.
- Inflammation: Long-term high sugar levels trigger inflammation in blood vessels.
Each of these factors alone can harm your heart, but when combined — as often happens in diabetes — the risk multiplies.
How Diabetes Affects the Heart Physically
Let’s look deeper into how diabetes impacts the heart and circulatory system.
1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
This is the most common heart problem in diabetics. It occurs when arteries supplying blood to the heart become blocked or narrowed by cholesterol plaques.
Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue — but sometimes, diabetic patients feel no pain at all because nerve damage can mask symptoms.
2. Heart Failure
Long-term damage from diabetes can weaken the heart muscle, making it harder to pump blood efficiently. This leads to heart failure, where fluid builds up in the lungs and legs, causing breathlessness and swelling.
3. Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Even without blockages, diabetes can directly damage heart muscle tissue. This condition, known as diabetic cardiomyopathy, causes stiffness in the heart, reducing its pumping ability.
4. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Diabetes also affects blood vessels in the legs and feet. Poor circulation can cause pain, slow healing, and increase the risk of infections and amputations.
5. Stroke and Heart Attack
High sugar and cholesterol can form clots, blocking blood flow to the brain (stroke) or heart (heart attack). Diabetic patients have a higher risk of both, often with more severe outcomes.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Dr. Jaiswal emphasizes that diabetics must watch for even mild heart symptoms. Because of nerve damage (neuropathy), heart issues may present differently.
Common warning signs include:
- Chest discomfort or pressure (not always pain)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or weakness
- Swelling in ankles or feet
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Delaying can be life-threatening.
How Diabetes Damages Blood Vessels
To understand how diabetes affects the heart, we need to look at the smallest components — blood vessels.
High blood sugar causes the blood to become thicker and stickier, making it difficult to flow smoothly. This damages the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, leading to:
- Narrowing of arteries
- Reduced oxygen supply to heart tissues
- Increased chances of clot formation
- Chronic inflammation inside the arteries
Over time, this continuous damage results in coronary artery blockages and weakened heart function.
Diabetes and Blood Pressure: A Deadly Combination
About 70% of diabetic adults also have high blood pressure. This combination doubles the strain on the heart.
High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, while diabetes weakens the blood vessels. Together, they accelerate heart disease progression.
Key takeaway:
Controlling blood pressure is as important as controlling blood sugar.
How to Protect Your Heart if You Have Diabetes
Dr. Ashish Jaiswal shares practical and evidence-based steps to reduce heart complications:
1. Maintain Ideal Blood Sugar Levels
Monitor your blood glucose regularly and follow your doctor’s advice on medications and diet.
2. Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet
- Choose whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Avoid sugary drinks and refined carbs.
- Use olive oil or mustard oil instead of saturated fats.
- Reduce salt intake to control blood pressure.
3. Exercise Regularly
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking, yoga, or cycling most days of the week.
Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and keeps your heart muscles strong.
4. Stop Smoking
Smoking dramatically increases the risk of heart attack and stroke in diabetics. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart.
5. Control Cholesterol
Ask your doctor to check your cholesterol regularly. Medication may be needed to keep LDL levels low.
6. Manage Stress
Chronic stress increases blood sugar and blood pressure. Meditation, deep breathing, and adequate sleep are great tools to manage stress.
7. Regular Heart Check-ups
Diabetics should get routine ECGs, ECHOs, and lipid profiles to monitor heart health. Early detection can prevent major complications.
Diagnostic Tests Recommended by Dr. Ashish Jaiswal
For diabetic patients, Dr. Jaiswal advises these key heart evaluations:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects rhythm abnormalities.
- Echocardiogram (ECHO): Checks heart’s pumping strength.
- Treadmill Test (TMT): Evaluates heart performance under stress.
- Holter Monitoring: Tracks irregular heartbeats over 24–48 hours.
- Angiography: Identifies blockages in arteries.
These tests help assess how diabetes affects your heart and guide treatment decisions.
Treatment Approach by Dr. Ashish Jaiswal
At his clinic in Lanka, near BHU – Lanka Road, Varanasi, Dr. Ashish Jaiswal provides comprehensive cardiac care tailored for diabetic patients. His approach includes:
- Thorough cardiac evaluation
- Blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring
- Medication management
- Lifestyle counselling
- Advanced interventional procedures (if required)
He focuses on preventing heart problems before they occur — because early prevention always leads to better outcomes.
How Diabetes Affects the Heart in Women
Heart disease in diabetic women is often underdiagnosed because symptoms differ from men. Women may experience fatigue, jaw pain, nausea, or shortness of breath instead of typical chest pain.
Dr. Jaiswal emphasizes the need for routine screenings for diabetic women, especially after menopause, when the risk of heart disease increases significantly.
The Role of Insulin Resistance
When the body becomes resistant to insulin, sugar levels rise, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress.
This combination damages arteries and promotes plaque buildup. Over time, it becomes a vicious cycle — insulin resistance worsens heart function, and heart disease further disturbs sugar metabolism.
Simple Lifestyle Habits That Protect Your Heart
- Eat balanced meals on time.
- Stay hydrated.
- Sleep 7–8 hours daily.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Track your weight and waist circumference.
- Keep regular follow-ups with your cardiologist.
Small daily habits can make a huge difference in protecting your heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can diabetes cause heart failure?
Yes. Over time, diabetes weakens the heart muscles and increases the risk of heart failure, even without previous heart attacks.
2. What are the first signs of heart disease in diabetics?
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, swelling in legs, or unusual tiredness can indicate early heart issues.
3. How often should diabetics visit a cardiologist?
Dr. Ashish Jaiswal recommends an annual heart check-up for all diabetic patients, or more frequently if symptoms appear.
4. Is heart disease reversible in diabetic patients?
While damage can’t always be reversed, early detection and lifestyle management can significantly slow or stop progression.
5. What foods should I avoid if I have diabetes and heart risk?
Avoid fried foods, white bread, sugary snacks, processed meats, and beverages high in sugar.
Conclusion
Diabetes and heart disease are closely connected, but with the right care, awareness, and lifestyle changes, you can protect your heart and live a long, active life.
Dr. Ashish Jaiswal, one of the most trusted cardiologists in Varanasi, believes that prevention begins with knowledge and consistent action. Whether it’s maintaining blood sugar, eating smart, or staying active, every step counts toward a healthier heart.
For personalized consultation or heart check-up, visit Dr. Ashish Jaiswal’s clinic at:
📍 Address: Lanka, near BHU – Lanka Road, Chauraha, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
📞 Phone: +91 9519317466