6 Ways to Protect Your Heart From Neuropathy
About 50% of people with diabetes will develop neuropathy that affects the nerves that control the heart!
High blood sugar from diabetes or other health conditions (e.g. chemotherapy, heavy metals) can cause damage to nerves, and especially the nerves that control the heart and blood vessels.
These nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system, so clinically this condition is called Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy. The autonomic system controls many essential systems in the body including the heart, blood vessels, digestions and bowel movements.
It is important to protect your heart and decrease your risks of cardiac autonomic neuropathy. By following these 6 strategies for cardiac autonomic neuropathy, you can slow the onset or progression of symptoms by taking care of your health in general and managing your medical conditions.
- Control your blood sugar. High blood sugar is the leading cause of nerve damage anywhere in the body.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking. Alcohol is toxic to nerves and smoking causes damage to the heart and blood vessels.
- Take steps to prevent or control high blood pressure. High blood pressure requires the heart to work harder to get blood to the body. Use salt in moderation and try these heart-healthy eating tips.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk for diabetes, diabetes complications and makes your heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body.
- Exercise regularly to keep your heart muscle healthy and blood sugar under control. Try these exercise suggestions.
- Use Frontline Neuropathy to maintain the health of your nerves and to support overall heart health.