Postprandial dysmetabolism: the missing link between diabetes and cardiovascular events?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of postprandial dysmetabolism, ie, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia with myocardial disease in diabetic, glucose-intolerant, and glucose-tolerant patients.

METHODS

We performed a MEDLINE search of the English-language literature published between January 1979 and April 2007 for studies regarding postprandial dysmetabolism and heart disease.

RESULTS

Postprandial dysmetabolism is associated with increased inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, decreased fibrinolysis, plaque instability, and cardiac events.

CONCLUSION

There is a direct and proportional association between postprandial dysmetabolism and both coronary artery disease and cardiac events.