How Blood Sugar Affects Heart Rate and Health?

Blood sugar levels are closely linked to heart function and influence how well our heart can work. While blood sugar levels change throughout the day, in extreme cases, it can cause heart rate fluctuations, making balanced blood sugar essential. Unstable blood sugar levels can impact the nervous system, raise stress, and even lead to cardiovascular complications. Let’s break down what blood sugar is, how it affects the heart, and why it matters for a healthy life.

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What is Blood Sugar?

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Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the level of glucose circulating in your blood, providing energy from the foods and drinks you consume. Blood sugar naturally increases and decreases throughout the day. However, for people with diabetes, these changes are often more frequent and intense.

The level of blood glucose in the body plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and can significantly influence various aspects of well-being and lifestyle. Abnormally high or low blood sugar levels may signal an underlying health condition. 

People with diabetes, particularly those with poorly controlled blood sugar, are at higher risk of developing heart disease. The combination of high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure can increase the strain on the heart and lead to a higher resting heart rate.

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Understanding High Blood Sugar and Low Blood Sugar 

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While blood sugar levels do go up and down throughout the day, here are a few signs to look out for: 

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What Level of High Blood Sugar is Dangerous? (Hyperglycemia)

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Hyperglycemia occurs when blood sugar is higher than normal, defined as fasting blood glucose above 125 mg/dL. 

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Hyperglycemia Causes

Although common in diabetes, anyone can experience high blood sugar when the body is unable to properly use or produce insulin. 

• Stress
• An Illness
• Dehydration 
• Overeating
• Sedentary Lifestyle

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Hyperglycemia Symptoms

Symptoms often include:

• Fatigue
• Thirst
• Frequent Urination
• Nausea

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What Level of Low Blood Sugar is Dangerous? (Hypoglycemia)

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When blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL, it’s considered low, meaning hypoglycemia, a serious condition requiring quick action. With regular Hypoglycemia self-care, maintaining a healthy blood sugar level will be achievable. 

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Hypoglycemia Causes

Causes include:

• Diabetes
• Hot Climates
• Stress
• Hormonal Changes
• Certain Lifestyle Factors

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Hypoglycemia Symptoms 

Symptoms may include: 

• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Hunger
• Rapid Heart Rate

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What are the Sympathetic Nervous System and Adrenaline?

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Autonomic Nervous System are the blood sugar imbalances can influence the autonomic nervous system. This system is responsible for controlling heart rate. Consistently unstable blood sugar can lead to abnormal heart rhythm, also known as arrhythmia, or contribute to cardiovascular complications.

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) responds to stress by releasing adrenaline, increasing heart rate, expanding airways, and supplying muscles with more blood flow to prepare for action. Adrenaline provides a burst of energy but can also raise heart rate, especially when blood sugar is unsteady.

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Let’s Learn How Blood Sugar Affects our Heart?

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Following are the ways blood sugar affects heart:

• High Blood Sugar and Heart Rate: When blood sugar rises, the body switches the sympathetic nervous system. This increases heart rate and helps manage extra glucose. If chronic, high blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels, raising the risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Low Blood Sugar and Heart Rate: Conversely, low blood sugar triggers the release of adrenaline, which causes the heart to beat faster in a “fight or flight” response. Repeated episodes of low blood sugar can disrupt the heart’s rhythm.

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Ways of Maintaining Blood Sugar for Heart Health

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Following are the ways to maintain blood sugar levels for heart health:

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Choose whole foods and avoid refined sugars. Foods with a low glycemic index, such as oats, leafy greens, and legumes, help maintain steady blood sugar. Add healthy fats such as those from nuts, avocados, and olive oil to support heart health and eating smaller meals throughout the day can also prevent sudden blood sugar spikes.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity and exercise help the body use insulin better, lowering blood sugar naturally. Aim for 30 minutes most days, mixing cardio and strength training for both heart health and blood sugar management.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water will flush out excess glucose, naturally balancing blood sugar.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can lead to blood sugar spikes, so practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation to keep both stress and blood sugar in check. Aim for quality sleep to further support these efforts.
• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Regular checks help you understand how diet, exercise, and any medications impact your levels so you can make necessary adjustments.
• Take Medications as Prescribed: If you’re on diabetes medication or insulin therapy, follow your doctor’s instructions. Regularly taking your hypoglycemia medication is key.  
• See Your Doctor Regularly: Routine check-ups are necessary as they allow your healthcare provider to monitor heart and blood sugar health, catching any changes early to support a healthier heart and life.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity, making blood sugar regulation easier. A balanced diet along with consistent exercise are your best tools.
• Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking: Alcohol can unpredictably affect blood sugar, and smoking exacerbates blood vessel damage. 

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Having stable blood sugar is necessary for a healthier heart, more energy, and overall better well-being. By being mindful of your lifestyle, you can manage blood sugar effectively, leading to better health and overall well-being.

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Why do You Need Regular Check-ups?

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Regular check-ups are essential for managing blood sugar levels and maintaining heart health.

• Early Detection: Regular screenings and checkups help identify health issues like diabetes, cholesterol imbalances, and high blood pressure early on. These issues have a huge impact on lifestyle. Diagnosing these conditions early on will make them easier to manage.
• Heart Health Monitoring: High blood sugar and diabetes significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Routine checks can monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels—key indicators that affect heart health.
• Personalised Health Advice: Through regular check-ups, you and your healthcare provider can discuss lifestyle, stress, and any new symptoms. This personalised approach supports healthier choices in diet, exercise, and stress management.
• Better Management of Blood Sugar Levels: Monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial as regular check-ups allow medical professionals to adjust medications and diet.
• Preventing Complications: If blood sugar goes unchecked and uncontrolled, it can lead to complications like nerve damage, kidney issues, and heart disease. Regular check-ups help reduce these risks with timely treatment.

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About Dr. Manjinder Sandhu 

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Dr. Manjinder Sandhu is a well-renowned cardiologist who will effectively guide you through understanding blood sugar and how to maintain it for a healthy heart. With his expertise and patient care, he has changed many lives over the years. 

Book your appointment with Dr. Manjinder Sandhu now. 

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