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Increased prevalence of third-degree atrioventricular block in patients with type II diabetes mellitus

Mohammad-Reza Movahed1, Mehrtash Hashemzadeh, M Mazen Jamal

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical Center, University of California, Irvine, 101 The City Dr, Bldg 53, Rm 100, Orange, CA 92868-4080, USA. rmova@aol.com

Chest
|October 21, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Diabetes mellitus (DM) significantly increases the risk of third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block. This association may contribute to the higher cardiovascular mortality observed in patients with DM.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality.
  • Existing evidence suggests a higher prevalence of third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block in diabetic patients.
  • The association between DM and third-degree AV block requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between diabetes mellitus and third-degree AV block.
  • To analyze a large inpatient database using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes.
  • To determine if DM is an independent risk factor for third-degree AV block.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Veterans Health Administration inpatient treatment files with ICD-9 codes.
  • Stratified cohort into DM (n=293,124), hypertension without DM (n=552,623), and third-degree AV block (ICD-9: 426.0) groups.
  • Performed multivariate analysis adjusting for comorbidities and lifestyle factors; used chi2 and Fisher exact tests for variable analysis.

Main Results:

  • Third-degree AV block was diagnosed in 1.1% of DM patients versus 0.6% of controls.
  • Multivariate analysis confirmed a strong association between DM and third-degree AV block (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 3.0-3.3; p < 0.0001).
  • The association remained significant after adjusting for coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, smoking, and hyperlipidemia.

Conclusions:

  • Third-degree AV block occurs significantly more frequently in patients with diabetes mellitus.
  • This heightened incidence of third-degree AV block may partially explain the elevated cardiovascular mortality in the diabetic population.
  • Highlights the importance of monitoring cardiac conduction in diabetic patients.
Abstract

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