Prevalence, predictors and evolution of echocardiographically defined cardiac abnormalities in adults with type 1 diabetes: an observational cohort study.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aims of this observational study were to determine the prevalence and predictors of an abnormal echocardiogram in adults with type 1 diabetes, and to assess the evolution of changes in a subset of subjects.

METHODS

Cardiac function and structure were prospectively investigated by comprehensive transthoracic echocardiographic techniques in asymptomatic adults with type 1 diabetes seen in the ambulatory care setting.

RESULTS

We recruited 136 subjects (mean age 39 years, SD 14 years) with a median diabetes duration of 21 years [25(th), 75(th) interquartile range; 11, 29]. An abnormal echocardiogram was present in 29% of subjects; diastolic dysfunction in 69%, left ventricular hypertrophy in 38% and systolic dysfunction in 10%. The independent predictors of an abnormal echocardiogram were age, with a 9-fold increase in those ≥40 years (OR 9.40 [95% CI 2.68-33.04], P <0.0001), and increased body mass index (BMI), with a 17% increase in risk (P=0.04). A second echocardiogram was available in 65 subjects (3.8±1.7 years later). The results showed that one in five with a normal first study had developed an abnormal second study, mainly diastolic dysfunction, with age being the only independent predictor of progression (P=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Subclinical echocardiographic abnormalities are common in asymptomatic type 1 diabetes adults, and changes are progressive. The addition of an echocardiogram to complication surveillance programs in those with type 1 diabetes aged ≥40 years may represent a cost-effective way to screen for, and aggressively treat, occult cardiac disease.