Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and cardiovascular disease: A review

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major worldwide health problem and the leading cause of death in industrialized countries. Cardiovascular disease is also the major complication of type 2 diabetes and is responsible for more than 50% and up to 80% of deaths in people with diabetes as well as for very substantial morbidity and loss of quality of life. Diabetes can lead to cardiovascular damage in a number of ways. The processes do not develop independently, and each may accelerate or worsen the others. Thus, as diabetes progresses, the heart and blood vessels are exposed to multiple attacks. Cardiovascular disease is spreading fast in the country and is falling in its grip more rapidly due to lack of awareness and facilities. Stating the major reasons for increasing heart problems, there were nine risk factors - heavy doses of alcohol, smoking, excess salt intake in food, fast and fatty food, lack of fruit consumption, no physical activities, tension, blood pressure and diabetes. The death rates due to cardiovascular disease are either high or appear to be increasing in countries where diabetes is prevalent. The outlook for cardiovascular diseases is alarming when it is considered that the number of people with diabetes worldwide will be more than double by 2025. Given the global epidemic of diabetes, the double threat of diabetes and CVD is set to explode unless preventative action is taken. It is noteworthy for example that, in some Western populations, CHD rates have declined in the overall population but no consistent decline is seen in people with diabetes. Diabetic patients have a greater likelihood of having dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. Because early detection and prompt treatment may reduce the burden of diabetes and its complications, screening for diabetes may be appropriate under certain circumstances (American Diabetes Association, 2003). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), together with its common morbidities of hypertension and dyslipidaemia, predisposes to a varied of acute and chronic complications (Gholap et al, 2011). T2D could damage multiorgan system even before symptomatic onset of major complications. It is a dreaded chronic disease, both to an individual and to humanity in the world, especially in Asia (Chan et al, 2009).