Diabetic retinopathy and the risk of coronary heart disease among diabetic patients of a tertiary care hospital in rural Tumkur, Karnataka

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a significant cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation. Diabetes is a growing challenge in India, with an estimated 8.7% diabetic population (between 20 and 70 years). The macrovascular disease is the primary pathogenic mechanism underlying coronary heart disease (CHD). Microvascular disease may play a prominent role in CHD development in diabetic individuals. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a specific marker of microvascular disease in type 2 diabetes. It is unclear, however, if the presence of DR signifies an increased risk of CHD. OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the proportion of DR and 10-year risk of developing CHD among study subjects 2. To assess the relationship between DR and CHD risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2021 and November 2023 at a tertiary hospital in Tumkur among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire, and subjects were examined for DR and 10-year risk of developing CHD and data were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the study subjects, 65% were male, 74.3% were on oral hypoglycemic drugs, and 12.9% had a family history of CHD. DR was seen in 49.3% of study subjects. 10% of study subjects hada ≥ 40% risk of developing CHD. There was a statistically significant association between DR and the risk of CHD (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: DR may be associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. A careful cardiovascular assessment and follow-up may be required in individuals with DR.

Keywords

• coronary heart disease
• diabetic retinopathy
• risk
• tertiary care hospital