Probing into arrhythmias in type 2 Diabetics

Dr Kavita Krishna; Dr Yogya Jha; Dr Ankit Tuteja; Dr. Sachin Adukia; Dr Siddharth Dharamsi; Dr Rajat Chauhan

Volume : V, Issue : II, February - 2015

Probing into arrhythmias in type 2 Diabetics

Dr Kavita Krishna, Dr Yogya Jha, Dr Ankit Tuteja, Dr. Sachin Adukia, Dr Siddharth Dharamsi, Dr Rajat Chauhan

Abstract :

Objective: To study arrhythmias in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), with special reference to cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN). Material and methods: A cross–sectional observational study including 50 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and presenting with cardiac arrhythmias (clinically or on ECG), was conducted at a teaching hospital over two years. Bedside tests for CAN were done. Besides routine investigations, echocardiography, stress test and Holter monitoring were done as indicated. The data was compiled and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v/s 18). Results:Sinus tachycardia was the commonest arrhythmia (38%) followed by complete heart block (CHB–12 %), and 10% each of sinus adycardia, ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) & atrial fiillation (AF). Poorly controlled diabetics showed sinus tachycardia, followed by VPC, AF, CHB and others in that order. Co–morbid illnesses like hypertension and ischemic heart disease correlated with higher incidence of arrhythmias. 54% had prolonged QTc, majority of which (16 patients of 27) showed the presence of CAN. All the patients with arrhythmias responded to conventional pharmacotherapy. Pacemaker implantation– temporary pacing followed subsequently by permanent pacing proved effective in all cases of CHB.