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Insulin Function Linked to Heart DiseaseWhat is the problem and what is known about it so far?Some studies show a link between the body's inability to handle insulin and hardening of the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. This study looked more closely at the relationship between poor insulin function and hardening of the arteries in people with chest pain, which is often a warning sign of a heart attack. Who was studied?The study included 74 patients with chest pain, 31 to 73 years old, who were being tested for hardening of the arteries or had a treatment to widen blood vessels of the heart. How was the study done?Participants had blood tests to measure the function of their insulin and glucose, as well as tests to check the health of their heart's blood vessels. Each person's height and weight was measured to calculate body mass index (a comparison of height to weight). What did the researchers find?The worse a person's insulin function, the more severe the person had hardening of the arteries. This was true even if a person did not have diabetes. What are the limitations of the study?The study included a fairly small number of people. A larger study may reach different conclusions. Also, there could be other factors at work, such as smoking, that were not considered. The study was done in Korea, so there may be other factors or habits that may not be so common in people in other countries. What are the implications of the study?Poor insulin function appears to have a harmful effect on the heart's blood vessels before a person has diabetes. It is important that insulin and glucose be managed well to lower the chance of getting heart disease. |
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