Arrhythmogenic effects of hypoglycemia

Abstract

Hypoglycemia is a frequent event in patients on insulin therapy. Current clinical and experimental evidence shows hypoglycemia tobe a cause of arrhythmia and, possibly, a link to increased mortality risk in patients with diabetes mellitus. This review addressesprobable mechanisms and pathogenic factors of arrhythmia development due to hypoglycemic events. We adduce data accumulatedon rates of hypoglycemia, as well as their correlation with cardiovascular and general mortality according to ACCORD, ADVANCEand VADT trials.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• hypoglycemia
• arrhythmia
• sudden death