$Unique_ID{BRK00829}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is it True that Heart Attack Risk Increases for Women with Diabetes?}
$Subject{heart attack diabetes mellitus risk factor women Endocrine gland
pancreas Circulatory angina sensitivity insulin cardiovascular risk}
$Volume{C-7}
$Log{
Structure of the Pancreas*0009801.scf
Diabetes Mellitus*0009802.scf
The Functions of Insulin*0009803.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is it True that Heart Attack Risk Increases for Women with Diabetes?


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QUESTION:  Is it true that the risk of heart attack increases for women
suffering from diabetes?

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ANSWER:  Normally, men are more at risk of experiencing heart attacks then
women.  However, studies of diabetic patients have shown that while this
condition does not increase the risk of heart disease for men, it has
precisely that effect on women.  The result of this gender-related difference
is that diabetic men and women have a roughly equal chance of developing heart
disease.  According to this research, women appear to develop a more "male"
type of heart disease than they otherwise would, with more heart attacks but
less angina (the sense of suffocation or suffocating pain that is a common
symptom of heart disease).  Doctors have theorized that this difference is due
to the greater sensitivity to insulin that women normally possess, which
reflects their stronger cardiovascular risk profile.  This natural advantage
is lost in diabetes, where the disease either reduces insulin secretion or
increases the body's resistance to its effects.
     None of this minimizes the importance of controlling one's diet, smoking
and blood pressure, all far more important in reducing the risk of heart
disease for men, women, the diabetic and nondiabetic alike.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.