Reducing your risk of heart disease
Reducing your risk of heart disease
Speak to your doctor about your risk of heart disease if you have experienced any of the following:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- High blood sugar
- Being overweight
- Inactive lifestyle
- Smoking
- Family history of heart disease or stroke
Recent research shows that if you have type 2 diabetes, controlling your blood sugar alone may not be enough to protect your heart. People with type 2 diabetes could develop heart disease 15 years earlier than people who do not have diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes and a history of heart disease, talk to your doctor about possible medication options.
It’s important to talk to your doctor about your risk of developing heart health issues.
Women with diabetes are more likely to have heart attacks, angina (chest pain), heart failure or heart surgery than men with diabetes.
How can I reduce my risk of heart disease?
Diabetes Canada recommends that people with diabetes reduce their risk of heart disease by:
- Aiming for good blood pressure control
- Controlling cholesterol levels
- Manage blood glucose
It’s also important to remember the ABCDES to reduce your risk of heart disease.
The A-B-C-D-E-S of risk reduction
A1C
Control blood sugar levels and keep A1C around 7% or less. A1C is a blood test that is an index of the average blood sugar level over the last 120 days.
BLOOD PRESSURE
Control your blood pressure to less than 130/80 mmHg
CHOLESTEROL
Manage your cholesterol
DRUGS TO PROTECT YOUR HEART
Speak with your doctor about medication options to help reduce the risk of heart disease
EXERCISE
Regular physical activity, which includes healthy diet, achievement and maintenance of a healthy body weight
SCREENING FOR COMPLICATIONS
Ensure you’re tested regularly for possible complications with your heart, feet and kidneys
SMOKING CESSATION
Look into ways to reduce or stop smoking
SELF-MANAGEMENT
Manage stress effectively
Speak to your doctor about how you can protect your heart health. Together, you can come up with an achievable step-by-step plan to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Being told “you have heart disease” can be scary and life-changing – especially when you’re only 26. Dan tells his story of how the initial shock of a diagnosis turned into determination to live a healthier life.
Talk to your doctor about possible medication options
Feel confident you're getting the most out of your next doctor's appointment by preparing ahead of time. Use this guide as a cheat sheet to help organize your thoughts and questions.
Feel prepared for your next appointment
Use our doctor’s discussion guide to help organize your thoughts and questions ahead of time. It’ll help you feel more confident that you’ve covered off everything you wanted to discuss when you connect with your doctor.
Talk to your doctor
Reflect on your type 2 diabetes and heart health
You’ve got lots to consider when managing your type 2 diabetes and heart health. Sometimes it’s important to take a step back and reflect on your self-management plan. Our Self-assessment Wheel can help you do this.
Take the assessment now
