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Treating Coronary Artery Disease in People With Diabetes
Why did the researchers do this particular study?
People with diabetes are more likely to develop coronary heart disease (CAD, disease of the heart's blood vessels). If a coronary artery becomes too narrow, it can get blocked and cause a heart attack. Treatment of CAD includes inserting a wire tube, called a stent, into the blood vessel to keep it open. Newer devices called drug-eluting stents (DESs) slowly release a substance that helps keep blood vessels open. Even with stents, the arteries of people with diabetes are more likely to narrow again. Why did the researchers do this particular study?
Who was studied?
The study included 840 people who received drug-eluting stents. Of those people, 211 had diabetes. How was the study done?
Participants with stents received regular follow-up exams and imaging tests that measured the size of their coronary arteries. Blood was drawn for lab tests. What did the researchers find?
After inserting a drug-eluting stent, coronary arteries were more likely to narrow again in people with diabetes than in those without diabetes. Other factors include smoking, having high levels of a blood protein associated with inflammation, using long stents, and having small arteries. What were the limitations of the study?
While certain factors were linked to coronary arteries narrowing again, the study did not establish cause and effect. The number of participants with diabetes was fairly small, and may not translate to other people. Also, the follow-up period was short. A longer follow-up period may produce different results. What are the implications of the study?
Even with the insertion of drug-eluting stents, coronary arteries often narrow again in people with diabetes. Treating other factors linked to narrowing of coronary arteries may improve outcomes. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Medical Tests and Procedures for Finding and Treating Heart and Blood Vessel Disease Keeping Your Heart Healthy Despite Diabetes
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