Prevalence, predictors and evolution of echocardiographically defined cardiac abnormalities in adults with type 1 diabetes: An observational cohort study

Abstract

Aims/hypothesis The aims of this observational study were to determine the prevalence and predictors of an abnormal echocardiogram in adults with type 1 diabetes, and to assess the evolution of changes in a subset of subjects. Methods Cardiac function and structure were prospectively investigated by comprehensive transthoracic echocardiographic techniques in asymptomatic adults with type 1 diabetes seen in the ambulatory care setting. Results We recruited 136 subjects (mean age 39 years, SD 14 years) with a median diabetes duration of 21 years [25th, 75th interquartile range; 11, 29]. An abnormal echocardiogram was present in 29% of subjects; diastolic dysfunction in 69%, left ventricular hy..