Living with Diabetes

Heart Disease and Stroke

If you have diabetes, you are at risk for having a heart attack or stroke. These strike people with diabetes more than twice as often as people without diabetes.

Coronary artery disease is caused by a narrowing or blocking of the blood vessels that go to your heart. It's the most common form of heart disease. Your blood carries oxygen and other needed materials to your heart. Blood vessels to your heart can become partially or totally blocked by fatty deposits. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to your heart is suddenly reduced or cut off. A stroke occurs when blood vessels to a part of your brain is suddenly cut off by fatty deposits or a blood clot.

Making changes to your lifestyle can help prevent against heart disease and stroke. Make healthy food choices and get active.

Learn the ABCs of Heart Disease