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Review
. 2008 May;23(3):241-8.
doi: 10.1097/HCO.0b013e3282fcc2fa.

Nonischemic heart failure in diabetes mellitus

Ashrith Guha  1 , Romain Harmancey, Heinrich Taegtmeyer
Affiliations
Review

Nonischemic heart failure in diabetes mellitus

Ashrith Guha et al. Curr Opin Cardiol. 2008 May.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Diabetic patients with heart failure have a poor prognosis. Although it has been demonstrated in animal models that metabolic maladaptation plays a pivotal role in contractile dysfunction of the heart, the understanding of 'diabetic cardiomyopathy' and its treatment in humans remains incomplete.

Recent findings: Epidemiological studies show that structural changes in the left ventricle can be demonstrated before onset of clinical diabetes. Diastolic dysfunction is the earliest manifestation that is associated with increasing level of serum-free fatty acids and worsening glycemic control. Spectroscopic and histologic evidence in the human myocardium indicates a maladaptive metabolic response in diabetes, characterized by intramyocellular triglyceride accumulation. Studies also suggest a link between myocardial isoform switching, calcium homeostasis and altered metabolism in the development of heart failure. However, treatment directed at deranged metabolic control in diabetes is effective only in animals, and not in humans.

Summary: Although clinical studies suggest the existence of 'diabetic cardiomyopathy', it is still difficult to prove causality. However, animal models and human studies suggest that systemic metabolic derangements may lead to metabolic, functional and structural maladaptation of the heart. The exact mechanisms of heart failure in diabetes remain elusive.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Kaplan–Meier survival curve of two cohorts of patients with heart failure
The survival is less in patients with diabetes mellitus. Adapted with permission [24].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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