Diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are both global problems. They are currently among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, particularly affecting populations in low- and middle-income populations. Their negative effects are increasing by globalization, rapid unplanned urbanization and increasingly unhealthy lifestyles.
People with diabetes are two to three times more at risk to have cardiovascular disease than people without diabetes. High levels of blood sugar can make the blood coagulation system more active, increasing the risk of blood clots. Diabetes is also associated with high blood pressure and High Cholesterol levels, which lead to increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as angina, coronary artery diseases (CADs), myocardial infaction, stroke, congestive heart failure, peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include:
- Peripheral arterial disease: disease of blood vessels supplying the arms and legs
- Coronary heart disease: disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle
- Congenital heart disease: malformations of heart during existing at birth: deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – blood clots in the leg veins, which can dislodge and move to the heart and lungs
- Cerebrovascular disease: disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
- Rheumatic heart disease: damage to the heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcal bacteria