Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Malaysian Diabetic Patients

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a significant health problem that can lead to macrovascular complications mainly cardiovascular disease which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients. Aims: The aim of this research is to study the health problems among Malaysian diabetic patients and to recognize the predictors for cardiovascular disease among those patients. Study Design:  cross sectional study.  Methods: A retrospective review analysis of the records of diabetic patients who attended the XXX in 2010 was conducted. Two hundred and forty five diabetic patients’ records were reviewed. Results:  Cardiovascular disease was reported in 19.6 %. Those with cardiovascular disease have a longer duration of diabetes than those without cardiovascular disease (P=0.03). Total cholesterol level was higher among diabetics with cardiovascular disease than in those without cardiovascular disease (P=0.02). High density lipoprotein cholesterol level was lower among diabetics with cardiovascular disease (P=0.01). Conclusion: Predictors of cardiovascular disease were family history of premature cardiovascular disease, age risk, total cholesterol, low high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and duration of diabetes.