Left Ventricular Function Impaired in Asymptomatic Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Strategic Insights -

In a recent study published in Angiology, researchers in Greece investigated left ventricular function in 24 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, who were asymptomatic and had no history of hypertension, coronary or valvular heart disease. The study found that left ventricular systolic and diastolic indices were impaired in these patients, indicating a distinct entity of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that left ventricular systolic indices, including ejection fraction and fractional shortening, were reduced in asymptomatic elderly patients with type 2 diabetes compared to controls.
  • Diastolic indices, including the E wave, A wave, E/A ratio, isovolumic relaxation time, and deceleration time, were also impaired in these patients.
  • The myocardial performance index (MPI) was significantly increased in patients with type 2 diabetes, indicating impaired left ventricular function.
  • The study suggests that left ventricular dysfunction is a distinct entity in diabetic patients with congestive heart failure, even in the absence of significant coronary artery stenosis.
  • The study's findings highlight the importance of early detection and management of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Statistics:

  • Ejection fraction (EF) was reduced in patients with type 2 diabetes (0.60[+ or -]0.10 m/sec) compared to controls (0.72[+ or -]0.08 m/sec).
  • The E wave was reduced in patients with type 2 diabetes (0.60[+ or -]0.10 m/sec) compared to controls (0.72[+ or -]0.08 m/sec).
  • The myocardial performance index (MPI) was significantly increased in patients with type 2 diabetes (0.640[+ or -]0.170) compared to controls (0.368[+ or -]0.098).

Sources:

  • Karvounis, H. I., et al. (2004). Evidence of left ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic elderly patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Angiology, 55(5), 549-555.
  • NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net (2004, DEC 6). Left ventricular function is impaired in asymptomatic elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.
  • Cardiovascular Week (2004, Date unknown).