Left Ventricular Geometry and Function in Normotensive and Hypertensive Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus without Overt Cardiac Symptoms

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common cause of morbidity/mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Echocardiography can detect changes in cardiac geometry/function before overt CVD symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate left ventricular (LV) geometry and function in normotensive/hypertensive patients with T2DM without overt cardiac symptoms. A cross-sectional study in which fifty normotensives and fifty hypertensive adults with DM without overt cardiac symptoms were enrolled from the cardiology/diabetes clinics of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in a simple random manner. Relevant history, physical examination and biochemical investigations were performed. 12-lead electrocardiography and echocardiograph assessment of LV geometry and function were also performed. Data was analyzed using Epi-info 7 statistical software; p value < 0.05 was considered significant. There were 27 females and 29 females in both groups. The prevalence of abnormal LV geometry was 36.0%, 95% CI 33.2-38.8% and 58.0%, 95% CI 55.2-60.8% in the normotensive and hypertensive groups respectively, P=0.028. Similarly, the prevalence of LV dysfunction was 38.0%, 95%CI 35.2-40.8% and 62.0%, 95%CI 59.2-64.8% respectively, P=0.017. The independent predictors of LV dysfunction were found to be duration of diabetes (OR 7.74, 95%CI 4.46-10.46), duration of hypertension ≥5years (OR 4.15, 95%CI 4.01-9.27), smoking (OR 4.34, 95%CI 1.32-6.23), body mass index ≥25 (OR 5.53, 95%CI 1.38-2.09) and glycosylated haemoglobin ≥7 (OR 7.11, 95%CI 2.15-0.81). There is high prevalence of LV dysfunction/abnormal LV geometry in T2DM patients without overt cardiac symptoms; co-morbid hypertension worsens these abnormalities. Early and periodic echocardiography is recommended with appropriate intervention in these patients.