Maine Cardiovascular Health

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Diabetes

If you have a family history of diabetes, your risk of heart attack and stroke is dramatically increased. When you have diabetes, controlling cholesterol and blood pressure are just as important as keeping your blood glucose in check. CVD is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes.

If you have diabetes, you can take steps to lower your risk of heart attack or stroke by reducing your A1C to less than 7 percent, lowering your blood pressure to less than 130/80, aiming for the following blood lipid numbers:

• LDL cholesterol less than 100 mg/dl
• HDL above 40 mg/dl
• Triglycerides below 150 mg/dl

Ask your health care provider about taking aspirin. Finally, if you smoke, get help to quit.

 

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