ASYMPTOMATIC LEFT VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION IN DIABETES MELLITUS: IMPACT OF RISK FACTORS

Introduction: Several studies have reported that the incidence of heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is high and that the diastolic heart failure seems to be the leading cause. Despite the association between diabetes and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the prevalence of left diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in asymptomatic patients with type 2 DM is not well defined and existing data are controversial. Aim and objective : We conducted this study to assess the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle in patients with type 2 DM and to explore its relation to other parameters, including patients’ age ,the duration of diabetes and glycemic control. Material and Methods : 100 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in the study . Diastolic function of the left ventricle was assessed by pulsed Doppler echocardiography. Results: This study included 100 diabetic patients comprising 52 female and 48 male , all studied patients were between the age of 30 and 70 years. (58%) had diastolic dysfunction and 48 % were having diabetes less than 5 years. Mean HbA1C level of LVDD group was found higher as compared to those without LVDD. Conclusion: We documented the high prevalence of asymptomatic left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes without clinical evidence of structural heart disease. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was significantly related to the glycemic control and age of patients. Doppler echocardiography is a simple, inexpensive, widely available and sensitive method for the diagnosis and follow-up of cases with diastolic dysfunction. We recommend the use of this technique in the routine workup of diabetic patients even in early stages.