BY: DR. CHRISTIAN AVALOS, CARDIOLOGIST
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS, FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL: (956) 362-8810
OFFICE ADDRESS:
4316 N. MCCOLL ROAD
MCALLEN, TEXAS 78504
The number of people with diabetes worldwide continues to rise every year. Diabetes makes people more likely to develop heart disease and have multiple risk factors that increase the risk of a heart attack or a stroke such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and obesity. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death in individuals with diabetes in the U.S.
EFFECTS OF UNCONTROLLED BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
People with diabetes can protect their heart and health by managing their blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart. For this reason, people with diabetes also have higher risk of premature coronary artery disease. Compared to patients without diabetes, the walls of the arteries begin to harden earlier as fatty plaque accumulates quicker. Therefore, there is an increased risk of recurrent heart attacks and muscle scarring, which can eventually cause heart failure. Heart failure can lead to leg swelling and fluid buildup in the lungs. Hardening of the arteries can also occur in the legs, which is called peripheral arterial disease, or PAD. PAD is sometimes the first sign of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to stop or slow down progression of disease. Due to nerve damage caused by diabetes, diagnosis is sometimes delayed because patients may not always feel the typical chest discomfort of heart disease. Oftentimes, a presentation may lack warning signs and lead to silent heart attacks.
MANAGE DIABETES “ABCs”
The best way to lower the risk of developing heart disease is by maintaining appropriate sugar levels and managing the diabetes ABCs. A is for the A1C test which shows the average blood sugar level over the past 3 months. The higher the A1C number, the higher the blood sugar levels have recently been and the greater risk of harming the heart, kidneys, feet, eyes. B is for blood pressure which is the force of
blood against the walls of the arteries. Higher blood pressure gradually damages the arteries and increases the risk of heart attacks or strokes. C is for cholesterol which is a type of fat found in the blood that can form blockages in the arteries at uncontrolled levels. S is for stopping smoking. Quitting smoking helps improve blood circulation because smoking narrows blood vessels and forces the heart to work harder.
ADOPT HEALTHY EATING HABITS AND EXERCISE
Healthy lifestyle habits with healthy eating and physical activity helps manage diabetes and prevent heart disease. Depending on the condition, medications are an important part of a patient’s treatment plan. Cholesterol medications such as statins can reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes in some people with diabetes. Certain diabetes medications have also been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and death in patients at very high risk. It is very important for patients with diabetes to routinely follow up with their physician to monitor their risk factors and determine their best treatment plan.
ABOUT DR. AVALOS
Originally from Houston and fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Christian Avalos is a cardiologist at DHR Health who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and blood vessel conditions using advanced catheter-based techniques and specialized imaging methods. His expertise extends to addressing coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, and congenital heart ailments, as well as preventing heart disease and its associated complications, including heart failure.
He is currently accepting new patients at his clinic located at 4316 N. McColl Road in McAllen. To make an appointment, call (956) 362-8810. DHR Health accepts a wide range of medical insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid.
