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Gender effect on the relation between diabetes and hospitalization for heart failure

C Seghieri1, P Francesconi, S Cipriani

  • 1Scuola Superiore S. Anna, MES Laboratory, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. gseghier@tin.it

Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes : Official Journal, German Society of Endocrinology [And] German Diabetes Association
|September 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Diabetic patients face double the cardiovascular risk, with heart failure (HF) being a key concern. While overall HF risk is similar between diabetic men and women, women show increased risk during perimenopausal years.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Diabetes significantly elevates cardiovascular risk, with heart failure (HF) being a common complication.
  • Diabetic women may face even greater cardiovascular risks compared to non-diabetic individuals.
  • Limited data exists on sex-based differences in HF prevalence among diabetic populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between diabetes and heart failure (HF) across different sexes.
  • To analyze HF prevalence in diabetic patients, focusing on potential gender disparities.
  • To provide further insights into the cardiovascular risk profile of diabetic patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of medical records from Tuscany, Italy (2002-2008).
  • Inclusion of patients discharged from Internal Medicine and Cardiology units.
  • Identification of diabetes and HF using ICD-9-CM codes.

Main Results:

  • Diabetes significantly increases HF risk in both males (RR 1.39) and females (RR 1.40).
  • Patients from Internal Medicine were older, predominantly female, and had lower diabetes prevalence.
  • A distinct 'horse-shoe' pattern emerged, indicating elevated HF risk in women aged 40-59.

Conclusions:

  • Overall heart failure risk is comparable between hospitalized diabetic men and women.
  • Diabetic women experience an elevated risk of heart failure during their perimenopausal years.
  • This highlights a specific vulnerability window for cardiovascular complications in diabetic women.
Abstract

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