Title:Cardiovascular Disease among Patients with Diabetes: The Current Scenario in Saudi Arabia
Volume: 17
Issue: 2
Author(s): Asirvatham Alwin Robert*Mohamed Abdulaziz Al Dawish
Affiliation:
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Diabetes Treatment Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh,Saudi Arabia
Keywords:
Diabetes complication, vascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, macrovascular complications, cardiovascular disease,
awareness, noncommunicable diseases, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract: One of the well-recognized conditions linked to diabetes mellitus (DM) is cardiovascular
disease (CVD). Those affected by DM face greater risk for early onset of CVD. Although huge strides
have been made in cardiovascular therapy and prevention, with striking results in decreasing diabetesrelated
coronary mortality in developed countries, the morbidity and mortality due to CVD continue to
remain high among patients with diabetes. While there is an increasing incidence of cardiovascular
event survivors with DM across the world, the number of DM patients with higher cardiovascular risk
is predicted to soar, presenting a massive challenge for health care systems globally, including Saudi
Arabia. A report of the Saudi Scientific Diabetes Society indicates that more than 50% of patients with
DM die due to cardiovascular causes. In fact, Saudi Arabia globally ranks among the top 10 countries
in the prevalence of diabetes. However, the incidence of CVD and its risk factors among patients with
diabetes in Saudi Arabia have not yet been well documented. This review aims to present an overview
of CVD among patients with DM in Saudi Arabia, through a comprehensive review of currently available
published literature. The findings indicate that diabetes linked CVD burden in Saudi Arabia is expected
to exponentially increase to a very high degree unless a wide-ranging epidemic control program
is initiated. The findings emphasize the need for maintenance of a healthy diet accompanied by exercise,
an active lifestyle and weight control measures among the population. It is essential that the health
care system focus on raising awareness among the population, and implement appropriate measures for
prevention, early detection and suitable management of CVD among patients with DM.
