Heart Tests You May Need If You Have Diabetes

Diabetes and Heart Tests

If you have diabetes, you have a higher risk of heart disease. The good news is that you can prevent or reduce your risk of developing many problems associated with heart disease by getting an evaluation and accurate diagnosis, and starting treatment early when it's most effective.

Talk to your doctor about the following tests recommended by the American Heart Association to see if you might have signs of heart disease. Then follow the proper medications and lifestyle changes your doctor prescribes to prevent further problems.

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Blood pressure check. A painless test that uses a special meter called a sphygmomanometer that measures the force of blood pushing against vessel walls. Untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, or kidney failure.

Carotid ultrasound. This imaging procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to view the major neck arteries called carotid arteries and to determine the presence of narrowing caused by atherosclerosis. Finding plaque buildup in these arteries may help predict future heart attack.

Computerized tomography (CT) of the heart and calcium scores. This imaging test is used to detect calcium deposits in vessels on the heart. More calcium means more coronary atherosclerosis, suggesting a greater likelihood of narrowing and a higher risk of future cardiovascular problems. Your doctor can use the calcium-score screening heart scan to evaluate risk for coronary artery disease.

Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG). This diagnostic test measures the electrical activity of the heart. It can detect abnormal heart rhythms, heart chamber enlargements, poor blood flow, a heart attack, and other abnormalities of the heart.

Ambulatory Electrocardiogram (Holter monitor). This test measures the electrical activity of the heart during daily activities.

Echocardiograph (echo). This test uses ultrasound to get a graphic outline of the heart chambers and their movement. The test examines the heart's structure and motion and shows how thick the heart muscle is and how well the heart pumps.

Exercise stress test. This treadmill or exercise tolerance test helps a doctor find out how much blood flow gets to your heart when it works hard such as during exercise. This test can show if blood flow is reduced in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. It can help decide a safe level of exercise.

Coronary angiography. This procedure, also known as cardiac catheterization, is used to help doctors evaluate the number and severity of blockages in arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. The image produced is an angiogram.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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