Maintaining heart health as you age

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that can occur either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces to keep the blood sugar levels in the normal range. Hyperglycaemia, also known as too-high blood glucose, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially nerves and blood vessels. Over time, glucose can also build up and damage vessels carrying blood to and from the heart. This can lead to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.2

Hypertension happens when blood vessels become stiff and narrowed, making it more difficult for blood to travel efficiently throughout the body.3 This causes the heart to work harder by pumping blood more quickly, and over time, it becomes less efficient and weaker, known as heart failure, which can be caused by a number of issues, including high blood pressure and inflammation. 

Globally, 1.5 billion people are at a risk of developing heart failure and this number is expected to increase 46% by 2030.4 For people ages 65+, heart failure is a major cause for hospitalisation and can lead to death.5

Risk factors that you can control such as sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating, high cholesterol, and smoking, should be managed early to reduce the risk of developing heart failure.

In addition, actively looking out for signs and symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, increased heart rate, chronic coughing, limited mobility, confusion, nausea, and reduced appetite can help early detection of conditions that lead to heart failure.

Nevertheless, heart failure remains challenging to detect because symptoms can be non-specific, and individuals may not present symptoms at early stages of disease. It is important to listen to your body, look out for these signs in loved ones, and get tested regularly - especially, if you notice changes.

Diagnostic testing plays a critical role in helping individuals to proactively care for their heart health. Routine screenings can identify those most at risk of developing heart failure and monitor changes in the body to prevent disease progression. They can also help make an early diagnosis and support decision-making to ensure individuals receive the most effective treatment for the greatest chance of positive outcomes.

Solutions such as blood glucose meters, insulin delivery systems, and digital solutions for data management provide effective and convenient diabetes management support every day and can significantly improve quality of life.

Moreover electrocardiograms, biomarkers and echocardiography facilitate early detection, diagnosis, and management of heart failure.

A biomarker may be used to see how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition. Also called molecular marker and signature molecule.

NT-proBNP is a protein released by the heart when the heart wall is stretched and is a biomarker that US and UK guidelines class as 1A for heart failure. A NT-proBNP blood test is a fast, cost-effective blood test measuring the level of a protein released by the heart muscle when it is under stress. It is recommended across the world to rapidly indicate the presence or absence of heart failure.

To achieve better patient care, clinicians rely more on biomarkers to tell a better and more complete story. Increasing innovation and advances within diagnostics allow for simple tests to capture data on these biomarkers and in turn provide clinicians more confidence in diagnosing patients effectively and efficiently.