Estimation of Cardiovascular Risk Profile among Diabetic Patients Attending Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background Association of type-2 diabetes mellitus with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is a well-known fact. The measurement of associated risk factors among diabetics gives a better idea for further management and prevention of complications, especially among those with high risk. Objectives The objective of our study was to compare the cardiovascular risk profile and estimate the 10-year cardiovascular risk using the World Health Organization (WHO) risk chart among diabetic patients as per their gender. Methods Hospital-based cross-sectional study was undertaken among type 2 diabetic patients attending our tertiary care hospital using a semi-structured questionnaire based on WHO-STEPwise approach to surveillance questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic variables, personal habits, and lifestyle (physical and biochemical measurements). Carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) was assessed through ultrasonography. Ten-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment was also done using WHO/International Society of Hypertension (ISH) charts. Results One hundred and thirteen male and 144 female subjects were included in the study. On comparison of cardiovascular risk factors, a statistically significant difference among males and females was found in tobacco and alcohol consumption, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). CIMT measurements revealed statistically significant differences, with males being significantly at higher risk. A 10-year CVD risk assessment revealed higher risk among males and was statistically significant. It was found that a significant association between increased 10-year CVD risk and HbA1c, HDL, systolic BP, diastolic BP, and CIMT existed. Conclusions Comparison within gender among diabetic patients revealed that the cardiovascular risk factors were statistically higher among males as per 10-year risk assessment using the WHO/ISH chart.