Despite diabetics having an increased risk of heart failure, the treatment remains consistent with non-diabetic patients
Patients with diabetes have a two- to three-fold increase in the risk of heart failure due to several factors, says Associate Professor John Amerena, a cardiologist from Geelong.
“Diabetics have an increased risk of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. If that occurs, heart failure is a common consequence of an infarct.”
Diabetic patients with heart failure can also have diabetic cardiomyopathy. This occurs when there is an increase of myocardial fibrosis in the patient and decreased relaxation.
“It is thought poor diabetic control leads to the cardiomyopathy,” says Dr Amerena.
Despite diabetics having an increased risk of heart failure, the treatment remains consistent with non-diabetic patients.
“The response to medication is just as good and the types of medication should be used in exactly the same way.”
Watch the full video here.
