Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Definition, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Implications

Heart Fail Clin. 2019 Jul;15(3):341-347. doi: 10.1016/j.hfc.2019.02.003. Epub 2019 Apr 5.

Abstract

A strict bidirectional relationship exists between diabetes mellitus and heart failure. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a specific cardiac manifestation of patients with diabetes characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in the early phase up to overt heart failure with reduced systolic function in the advanced stages. The pathogenesis of this condition is multifactorial and recognizes as main promoting factors the presence of insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Diabetic cardiomyopathy exerts a negative prognostic impact in affected patients and no target treatments are currently available. More efforts are needed to better define the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in this specific setting.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic cardiomyopathy; Diastolic dysfunction; Heart failure; Systolic dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetic Cardiomyopathies* / complications
  • Diabetic Cardiomyopathies* / diagnosis
  • Diabetic Cardiomyopathies* / therapy
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Disease Management*
  • Heart Failure* / etiology
  • Heart Failure* / physiopathology
  • Heart Failure* / prevention & control
  • Humans