Diabetes and cardiomyopathy – what is the connection?

Here is how diabetes exactly affects your heart muscle and sets you up for a heart attack

By: Debjani Arora | | Updated: November 13, 2017 9:51 am

We all know that diabetes makes one prone to various kinds of heart diseases. It affects the heart muscles and makes the heart go weak slowly and steadily. Of the many complications that diabetes can inflict on your heart cardiomyopathy is one of them. This refers to diseases related to the heart muscle. Here Dr Pradeep Gadge, Gadge Diabetes Centre, Mumbai explains the link between diabetes and cardiomyopathy. Here is what you need to know about diabetics and heart diseases. Also Read - Beware! Night-time cardiac arrest can kill you in minutes. Know the condition and its symptoms

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In cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes enlarged, thick or rigid. It makes it harder for the heart to pump and deliver blood to the rest of your body. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) refers to changes in the heart muscle (myocardium). It causes structural and functional changes in the myocardium. Obese individuals with type II diabetes are found to be more prone to cardiomyopathy. Also, individuals with poor glycemic control are more at risk for developing cardiomyopathy. The chief cause of diabetic cardiomyopathy is being diabetic alone. Here is why you should drink more water if you are a diabetic.

Are all diabetics prone to cardiomyopathy or can it be prevented in some?

Obesity, chronic high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, drinking alcohol in diabetics makes one prone to cardiomyopathy. The risk of DCM can be reduced by controlling blood sugar within the healthy range, maintaining a healthy body weight, regular physical activity, proper diet, getting adequate rest and sufficient sleep, reducing or managing stress, smoking cessation, reducing alcohol consumption. Here are 10 home remedies for diabetics that work.

Can cardiomyopathy lead to heart failure?

Cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure. In the early stages, people with cardiomyopathy may not have any signs and symptoms. But as the condition advances, signs and symptoms usually appear. The usual signs and symptoms may include: breathlessness with exertion or even at rest, swelling of the legs, ankles and feet, bloating of the abdomen due to fluid buildup, cough while lying down, fatigue, irregular heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding or fluttering, chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting. Here is what the difference between heart attack and heart failure is.

How does cardiomyopathy affect the heart muscles?

There are three main types of cardiomyopathy or three ways in which this condition can affect the heart: dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

In dilated cardiomyopathy the pumping ability of the heart’s main pumping chamber the left ventricle becomes weak. The left ventricle becomes enlarged (dilated) and can’t effectively pump blood out of the heart.

In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy there involves abnormal thickening of heart muscle, particularly affecting the muscle of the heart’s main pumping chamber (left ventricle). The thickened heart muscle can make it harder for the heart to pump blood.

In restrictive cardiomyopathy the heart muscle becomes rigid and less elastic, meaning the heart can’t properly expand and fill with blood between heartbeats.

However, there is another form called the arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia which is a rare type of cardiomyopathy. In this condition, the muscle in the lower right heart chamber (right ventricle) is replaced by scar tissue. This can lead to heart rhythm problems. This condition is often caused by genetic mutations.

What can one do to prevent this?

If you are diabetic take good care of your heart. Try to keep your blood pressure in control and make it a point to meet your cardiologist regularly. Diet changes and exercises can help. But know what exercises can help you in achieving your required fitness goals. As whit diabetes and heart disease, not all exercises might be suitable for you.

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Published : November 9, 2017 10:22 am | Updated:November 13, 2017 9:51 am

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