Analysis of the Relationship Between Glycated Hemoglobin and Echocardiographic Parameters in Patients Without
Grzegorz K Jakubiak1, Natalia Pawlas1, Monika Starzak2
1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Jordana 38 St., 41-808 Zabrze, Poland.
Insights
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) showed correlations with echocardiographic measures in non-diabetic patients. However, multivariate analysis revealed these associations were not independent, suggesting confounding factors influence the relationship.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a key marker for glycemic control in diabetes.
- Hyperglycemia is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- The role of HbA1c in cardiovascular health assessment for non-diabetic individuals requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between HbA1c levels and echocardiographic parameters in patients without diabetes.
- To determine if HbA1c can serve as a predictor of cardiovascular health in a non-diabetic population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 59 non-diabetic patients undergoing transthoracic echocardiography.
- Statistical analysis using Spearman's rank correlation and multivariate models.
- Adjustments made for age, sex, BMI, LDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, hypertension, and smoking status.
Main Results:
- Univariate analysis indicated significant correlations between HbA1c and various echocardiographic parameters, including left ventricular dimensions/mass, left atrial dimensions, right ventricular function, and mitral inflow parameters.
- Multivariate analysis did not confirm a significant independent association between HbA1c and the studied echocardiographic parameters.
Conclusions:
- While HbA1c shows univariate correlations with certain echocardiographic findings in non-diabetics, these relationships are fully explained by confounding variables.
- HbA1c alone may not be a reliable independent marker for assessing cardiovascular health in individuals without diagnosed diabetes.
Abstract:
Background: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a parameter commonly used in clinical practice to assess glycemic control in patients with diagnosed diabetes. Hyperglycemia is a strong risk factor for developing cardiovascular (CV) disease. Although there is some evidence that this parameter could also help assess CV health in patients without known carbohydrate metabolism disorders, this is not entirely clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between HbA1c and selected echocardiographic parameters in patients without diabetes. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of data from 59 patients (females: 72.88%) with a mean age of 54.82 ± 17.34 years without any features of acute illness or exacerbation of chronic diseases hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Physical Medicine of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland) in the period between June 2022 and May 2024. Only individuals with HbA1c levels and who have undergone transthoracic echocardiography were included in the analysis. Spearman's rank correlation test was used for statistical analysis, and a multivariate analysis model was then constructed (adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, hypertension, and smoking). Results: In univariate analysis, HbA1c was found to be significantly correlated with selected parameters relating to left ventricular dimensions and mass, left atrial dimensions, right ventricular systolic function, mitral inflow profile parameters, and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Multivariate analysis did not confirm a significant association between HbA1c and the assessed echocardiographic parameters. Conclusions: Although HbA1c significantly correlates with some echocardiographic parameters, the observed relationships are entirely explained by confounding variables.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
01:17Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion,...
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for...