'Diabetes' is Dangerous: A Threat to Coronary Arteries

 

 

 

'Diabetes' is Dangerous: A Threat to Coronary Arteries

 

 

 

 

     “Diabetes” is not only a chronic disease that affects overall health and leads to various complications, but it can also cause oral health issues. Remarkably, 8 out of 10 people with Type 2 Diabetes (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus - NIDDM) often experience heart complications, specifically Coronary Artery Disease.

 

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

     Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a well-known condition and one of the leading causes of death in Thailand. As we know, this disease is closely linked to diabetes, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), hyperlipidemia (high blood fats), smoking, obesity, genetics, aging, and a lack of regular exercise.

 

Diabetes Increases the Risk of Severe Heart Disease

     Research indicates that diabetic patients are prone to developing more severe coronary artery disease at a younger age compared to the general population. Once diagnosed, the risk of mortality is 2 to 4 times higher, and the prognosis is generally worse. This condition is also found to occur more frequently in women than in men.

 

 

Preventing cardiac complications is essential. By gaining knowledge about the disease and practicing proper self-care, patients can hope to live a life very close to normal.

 

 

Diabetes: A Leading Cause of Coronary Artery Disease

     Medical studies confirm that elevated blood sugar levels—whether slightly above normal or within the diabetic range—are directly correlated with a higher risk and increased severity of coronary artery disease. High blood sugar causes abnormal changes in the structure and function of blood vessels. The arteries supplying the heart muscle can become inflamed, narrowed, or even rupture, leading to acute blood clots. This explains why diabetic patients develop heart disease more frequently, earlier, and more severely than others.

 

 

 

    

 

 

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease in Diabetic Patients

Chest pain (angina) in diabetic patients is often vague or entirely absent. This is because many patients also suffer from peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), which diminishes the sensation of pain. This makes diagnosis more difficult. Other symptoms that may suggest heart disease include:

 

• Tightness or discomfort in the center of the chest, left chest, or epigastric area (often mistaken for indigestion).
• Radiating pain down the inner arms.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Sweating, cold skin, and heart palpitations.
• Feeling faint or loss of consciousness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease in Diabetic Patients

1. Screening for Arterial Obstruction

     ABI, PWV (Pulse Wave Velocity), and Toe-Brachial Index (TBI) are technologies trusted by medical professionals to check for arterial blockages and vascular elasticity across the body. These tests can reveal hidden conditions, such as coronary artery disease or stroke risk, especially in patients with vague or no symptoms, or those with high-risk behaviors like smoking.

 

2. CT Scan Examination

A CT Scan is an alternative technology that helps identify coronary artery pathology early. It is quick, provides detailed images, and covers a wider area, for example:

 

• Coronary Calcium Scoring is an accurate predictor of coronary artery disease risk.
• Patients can return home immediately after the procedure; it is non-invasive and more affordable thanCardiac Catheterization (Angiography)
• If abnormalities are found, doctors may recommend further tests such as an Exercise Stress Test or Echocardiogram for a more precise diagnosis.

 

 

 

If the results are normal, it indicates the heart is in 97-100% good condition, usually requiring no further specialized testing.

 

 

 

 

 

Guidelines for Preventing Diabetes Complications

Maintaining normal blood sugar levels and addressing co-morbidities associated with diabetes, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity, is crucial:

 

• Control the quantity and type of food consumed daily.
• Exercise regularly at least 3 times a week (20-30 minutes per session).
• Lose weight and maintain a healthy BMI, and quit smoking.
• Follow up regularly with a physician, especially for those requiring medication for blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, or existing heart complications.

 

 

Treating heart complications from diabetes, such as bypass surgery or angioplasty, is vital. If diabetes is left uncontrolled, it can lead to physical and mental disability, significantly reducing quality of life.