Alterations in Aortic Elasticity Indices among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in a Low and Middle Income Country Using M-Mode Echocardiography: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

Abstract

BackgroundDiabetes is one of the leading causes of noncommunicable diseases worldwide. It is known to induce cardiovascular remodeling, which can result in a variety of complications, including a considerable increase in aortic stiffness. While studies in Western populations have explored these effects, data on Asians, particularly Vietnamese, are limited. This study aimed to assess aortic elasticity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients compared to healthy individuals.MethodsAortic elasticity indices were measured using M-mode echocardiography. A comparison between the healthy group and the T2DM group revealed substantial differences in aortic elasticity indices.ResultsThe aortic stiffness index (ASI) was significantly greater in the T2DM group than in the control group, with median values of 6.10 (3.64-12.47) and 3.79 (2.40-8.50), respectively (p = 0.003). Aortic strain (AS) was substantially lower in the T2DM group than in the control group, with median values of 8.21 (4.24 - 13.07) and 10.66 (6.01 - 18.23), respectively (p = 0.039). Furthermore, the median aortic compliance (AC) and aortic distensibility (AD) in individuals with T2DM were 4.07 (2.28-7.44) and 3.08 (1.57-5.26), respectively, lower than those in the control group, with median values of 6.40 (3.08-10.75) and 5.33 (2.80-9.79), respectively. A longer diabetes duration was linked to a greater ASI (r = 0.43, p < 0.05), while the AS decreased (r = -0.37, p < 0.05).ConclusionsSubstantial variations in aorta elasticity indices were found using M-mode echocardiography. More research is needed to investigate the consequences of these discrepancies and their significance for clinical purposes.Graphical Abstract