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    4. Heart failure and diabetes

    Heart failure and diabetes

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our experienced cardiologists provide expert care for people living with heart failure — including those managing diabetes and heart disease risk. We specialise in diagnosing and managing all stages of congestive heart failure, focusing on early heart failure care and prevention.

    Because diabetes increases the risk of developing heart failure, our team works closely with patients to manage both conditions together. This combined approach helps prevent complications and improve both longevity and quality of life for people who have found limited options elsewhere.

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    • Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, happens when the heart cannot pump blood as effectively as it should. This means your body doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood to meet its needs.

      Heart failure can develop for many reasons — such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease or a past heart attack. Over time, these conditions weaken or stiffen the heart muscle, making it harder to pump blood properly.

      While heart failure is a serious condition, early diagnosis and effective heart failure management can help you live well for many years.

    • Doctors classify heart failure into four stages, based on the presence of heart disease and heart failure symptoms:

      • Stage A. You have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure or coronary artery disease, but no symptoms yet.
      • Stage B. You have heart disease but still no symptoms.
      • Stage C. You have both heart disease and symptoms such as breathlessness or fatigue.
      • Stage D. You have advanced heart failure and may need specialised treatments or surgery.

      Your cardiology team can identify your risk level and provide early heart failure management to help prevent or delay progression.

    • Common signs and symptoms of heart failure include:

      • Shortness of breath during activity or at rest.
      • Fatigue and weakness.
      • Swelling in the legs, ankles or abdomen due to fluid retention.
      • Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
      • Persistent coughing or wheezing.
      • Difficulty concentrating or confusion.
      • Weight gain from fluid buildup.

      If you experience signs and symptoms like these, it's important to see a heart failure specialist promptly for evaluation.

    • Research shows that people with type 2 diabetes are up to four times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than are those without diabetes.

      High blood sugar over time can damage blood vessels and make the heart muscle stiffer, leading to fluid retention and eventually heart failure. People with diabetes also tend to develop coronary artery disease earlier and more aggressively, increasing the risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac death.

      After a heart attack, the heart muscle of someone with diabetes often doesn't heal as well, which raises the chance of developing congestive heart failure. In some cases, nerve damage from diabetes can make chest pain less noticeable, meaning heart disease may not be detected until it's advanced.

      Managing both conditions requires careful coordination. Treatments may include:

      • Medication management to control blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.
      • Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising and quitting smoking.
      • Blood pressure control with medicines such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin 2 receptor blockers, which can reduce the risk of heart complications.
      • Advanced imaging, including echocardiography, cardiac CT and MRI to detect early signs of diabetic heart disease.

      At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our specialists work together to create personalised care plans that manage both diabetes and heart disease risks — helping you live longer, healthier and more confidently.

    • Your Mayo Clinic Healthcare cardiologist will perform a full assessment to determine the type and severity of your condition. Diagnosis may include:

      • Blood tests to look for signs of heart damage or strain.
      • Echocardiogram to see how well your heart pumps.
      • Electrocardiogram to assess your heart’s rhythm.
      • Cardiac MRI or CT scan for detailed heart images.
      • CT coronary angiogram to check for blocked arteries.
      • Chest X-ray to look for fluid in the lungs or an enlarged heart.
      • Holter monitor to record your heart rhythm. If you have frequent symptoms, the test may last about 24 hours. If your symptoms are less frequent, it could last up to 14 days.
      • Exercise treadmill test (stress ECG) to evaluate your heart's performance under physical activity.
      • Cardiopulmonary exercise test measures oxygen use during exercise on a treadmill. This test provides information on maximal heart rates and peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2).

      These tests help your care team create a personalised plan for effective heart failure management.

    • Heart failure usually requires lifelong management. Although it can't always be cured, effective management can reduce symptoms, improve heart function and enhance your quality of life.

      Your plan will depend on the cause and severity of your condition. In some cases, treating the underlying issue — such as repairing a leaky heart valve — can improve or even reverse symptoms.

      • Medications to help the heart pump more efficiently, reduce fluid retention, lower blood pressure and prevent complications.
      • Lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced, low-salt diet; exercising regularly; managing stress and monitoring your weight.

      To ensure you get the exact care you need, your Mayo Clinic Healthcare consultant may refer you to a trusted health professional for advanced procedures, such as:

      • Implanted devices, including a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) to regulate or restore a healthy heartbeat.
      • Surgery, including procedures to correct blocked arteries, repair heart valves or implant assistive devices.

    Ongoing care and monitoring

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, your care doesn't stop after diagnosis. You'll have regular follow-up visits with your cardiologist to track your progress, adjust medications and ensure your management plan remains effective.

    Because conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure increase heart disease risk, your care team also will help you manage these related factors as part of your overall heart failure management plan.

    Book your appointment

    If you're experiencing symptoms of heart failure, contact us today. Our experienced heart failure specialists near you can help by providing expert heart failure care.

    Request an appointment online or call us at +44 (0) 207 871 2575.

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