The heart and blood vessels make up the circulatory system--also referred to as the cardiovascular system. One function of this system is delivering oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to all parts of the body. It also transports deoxygenated blood back to the heart and facilitates removal of waste products from the body. Diabetes, a disease characterized by too much glucose in the blood stream can affect the heart and blood vessels.
Significance
The heart is a muscle that pumps blood to all parts of the body. It does this by pushing blood that is rich in oxygen and nutrients into the aorta, which then delivers the blood to other blood vessels in the body. These blood vessels ensure that the blood gets to all parts of the body for nourishment.The heart also transports blood that needs to be oxygenated to the lungs for oxygenation. Furthermore, waste products and other toxic materials in the blood are filtered out when blood is delivered to organs like the kidneys. Anything that affects the cardiovascular system such as diabetes can disrupt this process and cause several health related problems.
Causes
In diabetes, the glucose content of blood is abnormally high and this can cause damage to small and large blood vessels in the body. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse explains that diabetes makes blood cholesterol levels high. Cholesterol is needed for several important functions in the body. However, when there is too much of it in the body, it can clog up blood vessels and lead to a condition known as atherosclerosis.
In atherosclerosis, blood supply to various parts of the body including the heart is reduced because the blood vessels become narrow. This can result in several complications.
Types
The types of circulatory complications that could occur in diabetes include heart attacks, strokes and chest pain, which is also referred to as angina. A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. When the heart doesn't get enough blood, some of its muscles may get destroyed.
Strokes occur when blood flow to parts of the brain is cut off. Angina is referred to as chest pain that occurs when the heart needs more oxygen due to strenuous activity but does not get it because of narrow coronary arteries. It typically goes away when a person rests.
Effects
Some signs of a heart attack include a squeezing pain in the chest area, pain in the stomach, light headedness, sweating and shortness of breath. Nerve damage in the heart--as a result of diabetes--may prevent a diabetic patient from feeling angina. Signs of stroke depends on the part of the brain that is affected. However, this condition can lead to problems with balance, severe headaches, numbness on one side of the body, trouble seeing and confusion.
Prevention/Solution
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains that keeping blood glucose levels close to normal, as well as taking all prescribed medications are ways in which heart and blood vessel complications may be prevented. Being physically active, eating a heart healthy diet, keeping cholesterol levels and blood pressure under control may also prevent circulatory complications.
References
- "Diabetes"; Marlene Targ Brill; 2007
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Stroke
- The American Heart Association: About Diabetes
- Mayo Clinic: Heart Disease
- "Gross Anatomy, Volume 2007"; Kyung Won Chung, Harold M. Chung; 2007
