PubMed ID: 27766550
Author(s): O’Neal WT, Lee KE, Soliman EZ, Klein R, Klein BE. Predictors of electrocardiographic abnormalities in type 1 diabetes: the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy. J Endocrinol Invest. 2017 Mar;40(3):313-318. doi: 10.1007/s40618-016-0564-z. Epub 2016 Oct 20. PMID 27766550
Journal: Journal Of Endocrinological Investigation, Volume 40, Issue 3, Mar 2017
PURPOSE To determine the incidence and determinants of developing abnormalities on the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) in persons with type 1 diabetes.
METHODS We evaluated the distribution of ECG abnormalities and risk factors for developing new abnormalities in 266 (mean age = 44 years ± 9.0; 50 % female) people with type 1 diabetes from the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy. This analysis included participants with complete ECG data from study visit 5 (2000-2001) and follow-up ECGs from study visit 7 (2012-2014). ECG abnormalities were classified as major and minor according to Minnesota Code Classification.
RESULTS At baseline, 94 (35 %) participants had at least one ECG abnormality, including 13 major ECG abnormalities. At follow-up, 117 (44 %) participants developed at least one new ECG abnormality, including 35 new major ECG abnormalities. In a multivariable logistic regression model, older age (per 5-year increase: OR = 1.31, 95 % CI = 1.08, 1.60) was associated with the development of at least one new ECG abnormality, while serum HDL cholesterol (per 10-unit increase: OR = 0.98, 95 % CI = 0.96, 1.00) was protective against developing new ECG abnormalities.
CONCLUSIONS The development of new ECG abnormalities is common in type 1 diabetes. Older age and HDL cholesterol are independent risk factors for developing new ECG abnormalities. Further research is needed to determine whether routine ECG screening is indicated in people with type 1 diabetes to identify those with underlying subclinical coronary heart disease.