Longitudinal Development of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is considered to be common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but information on its progression over time is lacking. We studied the longitudinal development of left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) and myocardial blood flow reserve in patients with T2DM who were free from clinically detectable cardiovascular disease. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The LVDF was assessed in 73 patients with T2DM (mean age 67 ± 7 years; males 51%) on two occasions separated by 6.4 ± 0.8 years. RESULTS At baseline, LVDD was observed in 23 of the patients (32%). During follow-up, the LVDF normalized in 10 of these patients (43%) and remained unchanged in 13 of them (57%). Of the 50 patients (68%) with normal LVDF at baseline, LVDD developed in 9 (18%). Paired evaluation of myocardial blood volume index was available from 22 patients with LVDD and remained unchanged over time. CONCLUSIONS The condition of the majority of the investigated patients with LVDD improved or remained stable over a period of 6 years.