Diabetes increases risk of heart failure and vice versa
In a joint position paper, two large German specialist societies clarify the Link between heart failure (heart failure) and diabetes on. Experts warn that anyone who suffers from one of the two underlying diseases also has an increased risk of developing the other disease.
professionals of German Diabetes Society (DDG) and the German Society of Cardiology (DGK) have a first thing in common position paper published, in which the connections between diabetes and heart failure are clarified.
Often both diseases are present together
The professional societies refer to studies that have shown that almost A third of all people affected by diabetes also suffer from cardiac insufficiency are. Conversely, go one cardiac insufficiency associated with a poorer metabolism, which 30 to 40 percent of all heart failure patients develop prediabetes or overt type 2 diabetes.
The position paper is intended, among other things, to sensitize doctors to the connection between the clinical pictures. Those affected should be regularly examined for both diseases.
Deadly interplay between diabetes and heart failure
“Diabetes mellitus and heart failure go hand in hand in a frequent, often underestimated and sometimes fatal interplay”approved Professor Dr. med. Thomas Forst. He is the first chairman of the “Diabetes & Heart” working group of the DDG.
According to him, people who suffer from both diseases have a to 50 to 90 percent increased risk of mortality by cardiovascular events.
Better cooperation between diabetology and cardiology
“It is all the more important to identify these high-risk patients at an early stage and to improve their life expectancy through differentiated therapy.”the professor points out.
In the first joint position paper of the two professional societies, the current scientific data on the two clinical pictures is summarized. In addition, recommendations for diabetologists and cardiologists were formulated on what to consider in diagnosis and therapy.
High number of unreported cases
According to the experts, diastolic heart failure (HFpEF) is often clinically unremarkable. “It can therefore be assumed that the diagnosis of this form of heart failure in people with diabetes is made far too rarely and that there is a high number of unreported cases of those already affected.”emphasizes dr medical Catherine Schuettthe first author of the position paper.
“If the person concerned is symptomatic, such a dysfunction can be detected by means of echocardiography”, according to Dr. bulk.
at Diabetes the physicians therefore recommend regularly asking those affected about the symptoms of heart failure. Conversely, heart failure sufferers should also be checked for signs of diabetes due to their significantly increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
“Here, too, we urgently recommend regular diabetes screenings, in which the glucose and HbA1c value is measured and, if necessary, the OGTT is also determined”added professor dr medical Dirk Müller-Wieland from the DDG.
Why are diabetes and heart failure linked?
As the professional societies explain, the close connection between heart failure and diabetes can be explained by a Total disturbance of metabolism including one Arterial and coronary condition deterioration justify.
A permanently high Long-term blood glucose level (HbA1c) leads to, for example chronic inflammatory processes in the vessels. The heart is initially not restricted in its pumping capacity, but the inflammation makes the vascular walls stiff, which increases the Heart no longer fills sufficiently with blood can.
If heart failure is present instead, this favors diabetic processes that Increase glucose metabolism and a insulin resistance effect.
Heart failure often ends fatally
“In the case of heart failure, every fifth person affected does not survive twelve months after the first inpatient admission”, warns cardiologist Schütt. According to her, if heart failure is diagnosed too late or underestimated, it is often fatal. (vb)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Graduate editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.