Which medicines can help prevent heart disease in diabetics?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 45 years old and have been a diabetic patient for the last year. I have used Ayurvedic medicines. Typically, my blood pressure varies between 130/80 mmHg and 137/90 mmHg. For the past 10 days, I have been feeling uncomfortable in my chest. My recent test report shows a fasting blood sugar level of 110 mg/dL, a postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) level of 185 mg/dL, total cholesterol (TC) of 213 mg/dL, triglycerides of 146 mg/dL, VLDL of 29 mg/dL, HDL of 42 mg/dL, LDL of 142 mg/dL, and a TC/HDL ratio of 5.1. The doctor has prescribed Metformin, Rosuvastatin, and Pantoprazole.

I have been using these medications for the last seven days. Two days ago, I experienced symptoms of a heart attack for five seconds. The doctor conducted an ECG, which was normal. A medical student advised me to take a combination of Rosuvastatin and Clopidogrel instead of only Rosuvastatin. Since then, I have been feeling more relaxed.

Should I take the combination of Rosuvastatin and Clopidogrel, or only Rosuvastatin? Please suggest the appropriate medication and how long I should take it. Is this treatment for a lifetime?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Diabetes is a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease. You experienced chest discomfort and one episode of heart attack-like symptoms, and your ECG (electrocardiogram) was normal at that time. However, a normal ECG does not rule out a heart attack. I believe you should undergo further evaluation for heart attack-like symptoms, including blood tests such as troponin T and troponin I, as well as echocardiography. If needed, a treadmill test should also be performed.

Statins are recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for all diabetic patients. Aspirin is advised only when there are blockages in the heart vessels.

Thank you, and I hope this information helps.