Random fasting hyperglycemia as cardiovascular risk factor in the elderly: a 6-year longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cardiology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).
• The independent role of fasting hyperglycemia in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk remains debated, particularly in elderly populations.
• Common CVD risk factors include hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between fasting hyperglycemia and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals aged 60 years and older.
• To assess the predictive value of fasting hyperglycemia for CVD events in the elderly, considering other established risk factors.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 455 elderly subjects (>= 60 years) was analyzed.
• Fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and smoking habits were recorded.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurrence was monitored over a mean follow-up of 6 years, including mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, and revascularization procedures.

Main Results:

• Among 427 subjects who completed follow-up, 73 (17.10%) developed CVD.
• Fasting hyperglycemia (glycemia > 126 mg/dl) at enrollment, in individuals without a prior diabetes diagnosis, was associated with a 2.01 times higher risk of CVD.
• A Cox proportional hazard model confirmed fasting hyperglycemia as a significant predictor of CVD in this elderly cohort.

Conclusions:

• Fasting hyperglycemia is a significant and independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in elderly individuals.
• Elevated fasting blood glucose levels, even below the diagnostic threshold for diabetes, warrant attention for CVD risk assessment in older adults.
• Early identification and management of hyperglycemia may be crucial for preventing cardiovascular events in the elderly population.