[The impact of diabetes mellitus on the mortality of acute coronary syndromes]

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a leading cause of mortality in the world, mainly on account of cardiovascular diseases. At present we know that not only DM but also other hyperglycemic states are a risk factor for coronary arterial disease. In the context of acute coronary syndromes, DM determines a worst prognosis, either in short- or long-term outcomes. Since the absolute risk of death is greater among diabetic patients when compared to non-diabetic patients, therapeutical interventions have a greater impact in terms of benefits to these patients as well. Strategies such as strict control of hyperglycemia during hospitalization, acute reperfusion management (either by thrombolysis or by percutaneous coronary intervention), use of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors have recently proven to be of greater benefit for diabetics over non-diabetic patients. Meanwhile, in spite of all proven benefits of the use of evidence-based interventions to the treatment of acute coronary syndromes on diabetic patients, there is still an under utilization of these measures. Therefore, taking into account the predictions of an increasing number of diabetics in the world for the future years, and the fact that acute coronary syndromes will be the leading cause of death among them, it becomes increasingly necessary for both cardiologists and endocrinologists to work together in order to reduce the unfavorable outcomes that are expected to arise.