Prediabetes appears to be a strong independent risk factor for heart attacks, according to a new study presented Saturday, June 11 at ENDO 2022, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in Atlanta, Georgia.
Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. People with prediabetes are more likely to develop diabetes. Although diabetes is known to cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes and kidney problems, the link between prediabetes and heart problems has not been well established, according to the study’s lead author, Kavin. Raj, MD, of Saint Peter / Rutgers Robert University Hospital. Wood Johnson Medical School of New Brunswick, NJ
Our study serves as an alarm clock for everyone to shift the focus to managing prediabetes, not just diabetes. Based on our results, we encourage everyone to make lifestyle changes, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly for at least 150 minutes each week in patients with prediabetes to reduce the risk of heart attack. “
Kavin Raj, MD, Saint Peter / Rutgers University Hospital Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
The researchers analyzed data from 1.79 million hospitalizations of patients who had a heart attack. Of these patients, 1% had prediabetes. After adjusting for risk factors for heart disease, such as age, sex, race, family history of heart attack, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and Obesity, prediabetes was associated with a 25% higher chance of a heart attack compared to patients. without prediabetes. People with prediabetes were also 45% more likely to have percutaneous surgery (a heart treatment to open blocked blood vessels) and almost twice the risk of having heart bypass surgery.
“Our results reinforce the importance of early recognition through screening and early intervention of prediabetes through lifestyle changes and / or medications to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events,” Raj said.