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Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia correlates with angiographic coronary artery disease prevalence and severity

D M Konstantinou1, Y S Chatzizisis, G E Louridas

  • 11st Cardiology Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, 1, St. Kyriakidi Street, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece. dimikon@auth.gr

Diabetes & Metabolism
|July 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Higher blood sugar levels, including non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, are linked to increased coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence and severity. Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) predicts CAD outcomes, even in non-diabetics.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

  • The association between glycaemia and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk is debated.
  • Optimal glucose levels for cardiovascular health remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prevalence and severity of angiographic CAD in relation to hyperglycaemia categories.
  • To assess the predictive value of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) for CAD outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Coronary angiography was performed on 273 patients with suspected ischaemic pain.
  • Patients were classified into normal fasting glucose (NFG), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and diabetes mellitus (DM) groups.
  • CAD severity was quantified using Gensini's score, extent score, and an arbitrary index.

Main Results:

  • CAD prevalence was 2.5 times higher in IFG and DM groups compared to NFG.
  • Poorer glycaemic control predicted worse angiographic CAD severity.
  • Elevated HbA1c levels were associated with higher CAD prevalence and severity, independent of diabetes status.

Conclusions:

  • Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, indicated by fasting glucose or HbA1c, correlates with adverse angiographic outcomes.
  • HbA1c is a significant predictor of CAD prevalence, even after accounting for conventional risk factors.
Abstract

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