“Can having diabetes lead to a heart attack?”

Yes, it's a major risk factor.

Yes. That is why controlling the diabetes watching the blood pressure control and evaluating the cholesterol are important factors. Treat any blood pressure problems early as that can compound you chances of cardiovascular disease. Many doctors alway use "statins." But that depends on your levels. Statins do not prevent the first "heart attack' unless they are very abnormal. The ration of total cholesterol to the HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) should be 4 to 1 or lower. The level of the HDL is important as it is the "good" cholesterol and helps keep the blood vessels clear. However, most physicians use statins on all diabetic patients. They are not indicated over 75 years old (some experts say 70 yo). However, at your age, you need to consider checking the "lipid panel" yearly or more frequently. The most common cause of death in type 2 diabetes is cardiovascular (heart or stroke). Good blood sugars are fine, but avoid high blood pressure also. I would like to have the blood pressure done in the doctor's office to be 135 over 80. Home pressures are usually lower. The statistic on blood pressure are what we know from the doctor's office. Please treat the blood pressure early before it is too high, then damage has been done. Many blood pressure drugs are easy to take and have no side effects. I find it is more difficult to control if the patient delays treating a slightly high blood pressure.

Yes, diabetes is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease that causes heart attacks.

Dr. Adiraju

Yes. Diabetes is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease that causes heart attacks.

Having diabetes may increase your risk of having a heart attack because the diabetes may adversely affect the cardiovascular system. It is important to keep the diabetes under control to reduce your risk.

Diabetes can accelerate the hardening of the arteries and directly damage the heart muscles.This can lead to increased risk of having a heart attack.

Edward H. Smolar, MD

Yes. Diabetes is in fact a risk factor for heart disease.

Diabetes does not cause heart attacks. Uncontrolled diabetes predisposes one for increased possibility of having a heart attack. If diabetes is CONTROLLED always, the incidence of heart attack should be the same or minimally increased.

Yes.