Publication
Coronary anatomy and left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with type 2 diabetes admitted for elective coronary angiography
Journal Paper/Review - Aug 1, 2004
Ammann Peter, Brunner-La Rocca Hanspeter, Fehr Thomas, Münzer Thomas, Sagmeister Markus, Angehrn Walter, Rickli Hans
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have more severe coronary artery disease and a two- to fourfold higher risk for myocardial infarction and death as compared to patients without DM. In this study, we analyzed coronary anatomy, left ventricular ejection fraction, and cardiac risk factors in patients with DM referred for coronary angiography and compared them with findings in nondiabetic patients. Coronary anatomy was assessed in a total of 6,234 patients and left ventricular ejection fraction in a subset of 4,767 (76.5%) patients. Diabetic patients (n = 641) were older (60.8 +/- 9.6 vs. 58.5 +/- 10.5 years; P < 0.0001) and had higher rates of hypertension (65% vs. 47%; P < 0.0001). Three-vessel disease (DM 44.7% vs. no DM 25.4%; P < 0.0001) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (DM 58.4% +/- 15.2 vs. no DM 63.9% +/- 13.2; P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with DM. After adjustment for age and other vascular risk factors, the presence of DM was associated with a higher atherosclerotic burden. We conclude that advanced coronary heart disease and left ventricular dysfunction are highly prevalent in diabetic patients, independent of age and other cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, cardiac assessment in diabetic patients should, in addition to optimal diabetic control, involve screening for left ventricular dysfunction.