What is cardiovascular disease?Cardiovascular disease is a medical term used to describe a number of heart and blood vessel related disorders. The most common cardiovascular disease outcomes are:
Both of these are usually attributed to circulatory blockages that prevent blood from flowing efficiently to the heart or brain.
Cardiovascular disease and diabetes
People with diabetes have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and consequently their risk of heart attack or stroke is higher. A person with diabetes is up to five times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke than a non diabetic.
What can I do to reduce my risk of cardiovascular disease?
There are a number of ways for you to effectively reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. These are as follows:
- Incorporate physical activity into your daily life
- If you are overweight make lifestyle changes to lose weight and maintain weight loss
- Give up cigarettes, cigars and shisha. Stop smoking all together
- Learn about healthy eating and incorporate a balanced diet into your everyday life
- Control your cholesterol levels (blood fats) – choose food which is low in saturated fat
- Ensure proper use and dosage of medication as indicated by your physician
- Control your blood glucose as indicated by your physician
- Maintain healthy blood pressure. Have regular medical examinations at least once a year or as indicated by your diabetes team
Note: Your diabetes team can provide you with information and advice to help you make the above changes.
