DIAGNOSIS AND NON-INVASIVE RISK STRATIFICATION OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE IN DIABETIC PATIENTS

Abstract

Diabetic patients have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD). Risk factor aggregation is prevalent in the diabetic population and it is responsible for increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A number of methods for diagnosing CAD in asymptomatic patients have been extensively used in the general population and some could be as well implemented in the diabetic population. Every diabetic patient must be included in a workup plan that should consist of initial evaluation of symptoms and risk factors, noninvasive cardiac testing, and eventually referral to coronary angiography unit if and when needed.