2023-08-17 08:16:00
Study Reveals One-Third of Type 2 Diabetics May Have Undiagnosed Heart Disease
A recent study conducted at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore has shed light on the potential link between type 2 diabetes and undetected cardiovascular disease. The study, which involved analyzing over 10,000 blood samples, found that one in three adults with type 2 diabetes may have undiagnosed heart disease. The findings were published in the prestigious Journal of the American Heart Association.
Researchers discovered that 33 percent of those examined had elevated levels of two specific biomarkers – troponin T and NT-pro-B type hormone. These biomarkers are indicative of heart damage, such as issues with the heart muscle or increasing pressure in the heart. Surprisingly, these individuals had no known heart disease at the time their blood samples were taken. In comparison, only 16 percent of subjects without type 2 diabetes had elevated biomarker levels.
The study also revealed that increased levels of these biomarkers were associated with a significantly higher mortality rate. Mortality due to cardiovascular disease increased by 54 percent, while overall mortality was up to 78 percent higher among those with elevated levels of the biomarkers.
Of particular interest to the research group was the protein troponin T, which was found to be connected to diabetes mellitus regardless of the person’s age. Troponin levels were also observed to worsen over time in individuals with poorly controlled blood sugar levels. Elizabeth Selvin, co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “These cardiac biomarkers give us insight into the cardiovascular risk of people who would otherwise never have been considered at high risk.”
Traditionally, cholesterol has been the main focus for physicians when it comes to managing cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes. However, Selvin pointed out that diabetes can have direct effects on the heart, independent of cholesterol levels. This means that cholesterol-lowering drugs may not be enough to prevent heart damage if diabetes has already caused damage to the heart’s small vessels.
This study highlights the potential need for adjusted therapies that take into account the specific heart risks associated with type 2 diabetes. Measures to address high blood pressure and promote the health of small vessels may be beneficial in preventing heart disease in these individuals.
The research team concluded that the two biomarkers – troponin T and NT-pro-B type hormone – could play a significant role in assessing the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes. Cardiologist Vijay Nambi from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston believes that these biomarkers could also be useful in prevention strategies. “Routine use of these biomarkers should be seriously considered,” Nambi stated. Currently, these blood values are typically only checked in the hospital for patients experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath.
Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the potential risks of cardiovascular disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It highlights the importance of considering additional biomarkers beyond cholesterol levels and calls for further research to establish appropriate prevention and treatment strategies for this at-risk population.]
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