Author: Wu, Stephanie C.

Source: Journal for Vascular Ultrasound, Volume 32, Number 1, March 2008 , pp. 21-26(6)

Publisher: Society for Vascular Ultrasound

Abstract:

Atherosclerotic disease, which is the obstruction of blood flow into an arterial tree, is a worldwide leading cause of death and loss of disability-adjusted life-years. Although as many as 300 risk factors are associated with atherosclerosis, about 70-90% of these are secondary to various associations between conventional risk factors, such as diabetes, increased age, obesity, gender, family history, systolic blood pressure, total serum cholesterol, and tobacco use.

The prevalence of atherosclerotic disease in persons with diabetes has been reported as high as 30%, two to three times that of nondiabetic patients, and is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. The severity, progression, and associated total mortality for atherosclerotic disease are also greater in persons with diabetes than in those without. Unfortunately, the recent encouraging data that demonstrates a decrease in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease mortality in the general U.S. population was not reflected in the diabetic population.

People with diabetes, in contrast to those without, generally have more severe and more diffuse atherosclerotic disease, which can lead to accelerated cerebral, coronary, and peripheral artery disease. Characteristic features of lower limb atherosclerotic lesions in patients with diabetes include more prominent calcification of the intima media, frequent involvement of distal vascular segments, and asymmetry of lesions. This accelerated atherosclerotic process and the increased risk of thrombotic vascular events in people with diabetes may result from dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, platelet hyperreactivity, impaired fibrinolytic balance, or abnormal blood flow.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-03-01

More about this publication?

• The Journal for Vascular Ultrasound (JVU) is the official journal of the Society for Vascular Ultrasound. It consists of original scientific and educational articles, case studies, book reviews, technical reviews, ultrasound principle reviews, viewpoints, letters to the editor, and CME tests. Regular reading of JVU, published quarterly, will keep you current in your field and provide essential information that can be applied in your practice.
  
  Previously known as the Journal of Vascular Technology - View Volumes 16-26 here
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