When we talk about keeping our hearts healthy, especially for those with type 2 diabetes, it’s not just about eating right and staying active.
A recent study presented at a medical conference in Germany has revealed some surprising factors that can affect the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
In this condition, the heart stops pumping blood suddenly and unexpectedly.
Understanding SCA is crucial because it is responsible for up to half of all heart-related deaths in wealthier countries and 20% of all deaths.
For people with type 2 diabetes, who already have a higher risk of SCA, it’s essential to identify and reduce additional risks, especially if they have no history of heart disease.
Let’s take a closer look at what this study found.
The Study: What Researchers Did
A team led by Peter Harms from Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands studied the medical records of 3,919 individuals with type 2 diabetes. Out of these, 689 had experienced sudden cardiac arrest between 2010 and 2019 in a region called Noord-Holland.
Over five years leading up to each SCA case, the researchers looked at various health measurements and the use of medications. They also compared these measurements to those of up to five people who did not have SCA for each case.
What Did They Discover?
The study revealed some interesting findings:
- Certain commonly prescribed drugs, including antibiotics and medications used to manage nausea, were linked to a higher risk of SCA. These drugs can affect how the heart’s electrical system works. For example, antibiotics like marcolides and antipsychotic medications like haloperidol fell into this category.
- Surprisingly, having low fasting blood sugar, which is often seen as a sign of good blood sugar control, was associated with a 150% increase in SCA risk among people without a history of heart problems.
- For individuals with existing heart issues, conditions like albuminuria (a sign of kidney problems) and heart failure were significantly linked to SCA risk.
What Should Healthcare Providers Know?
Peter Harms pointed out that while doctors are usually aware of common SCA risk factors like high blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes, they might not be as familiar with the risks related to low fasting blood sugar and specific medications.
The Key Takeaway
From this research, it’s clear that healthcare providers need to be well informed about all the factors that can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, especially for people with type 2 diabetes.
This means paying attention not only to the usual risk factors but also to less obvious ones, like managing blood sugar levels and choosing medications.
With this knowledge, healthcare professionals can take a more comprehensive approach to managing diabetes.
They can consider how treatments and management strategies affect the long-term health of their patients’ hearts, not just their immediate blood sugar levels.
This way, each person can receive a care plan that supports their current health and protects their heart health in the years to come. It’s all about keeping our hearts healthy for the future.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and results showing yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
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