Diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease

A. M. Wägner, A. Martínez-Rubio, J. Ordóez-Llanos, A. Pérez-Pérez

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleResearchpeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Diabetes is associated with a high incidence and poor prognosis of cardiovascular disease, and with high short- and long-term mortality. Adequate treatment of cardiovascular disorders and aggressive management of coexisting risk factors have proved to be at least as effective in diabetic as in nondiabetic patients in randomized, controlled studies. Indeed, treating diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease results in a larger absolute risk reduction than in nondiabetic subjects. Nevertheless, diabetic patients often receive inadequate therapy, which may, to a certain extent, explain their poor prognosis. Recommendations for the treatment of diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction should include beta-blockers, aspirin, and ACE-inhibitors in all patients in whom no specific contraindications exist. Fibrinolysis should be administered when indicated, and the benefits of improving glycemic control should not be forgotten either. In patients with multi-vessel disease who need revascularization, when selecting the type of procedure, the superiority of surgical revascularization over angioplasty should be borne in mind. Even heart transplantation should be included as a therapeutic option since there are no data to support the exclusion of patients on account of their diabetes. Finally, coexisting risk factors should be intensively treated through lifestyle intervention, with or without drug therapy, in order to achieve secondary prevention goals. Copyright © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15-30
JournalEuropean Journal of Internal Medicine
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Feb 2002

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Secondary prevention
  • Treatment

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this