Different levels of cardiovascular risk factors in type-2 diabetic patients with lower limb proximal and distal vessel macroangiopathy.

The levels of some cardiovascular risk factors (lipids, apolipoproteins and fibrinogen) were measured in groups of Type-2 diabetic patients with lower limb proximal (ileofemoral) and distal (trifurcational) artery macroangiopathy, diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound, and in a group of diabetics without macroangiopathy. The highest mean levels of total and LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and triacylglycerols were observed in patients with proximal vessel involvement. Significant correlations were found between the thigh/arm index and total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and stroke prevalence. On the other hand, a significant correlation was found between ankle/thigh index and fibrinogen. The results of the study suggest that different pathogenetic mechanisms may play a role in the development of ileofemoral and trifurcational vessel disease.