Screening for Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Diabetes

Abstract

Purpose of Review: The study aims to describe methods for detecting subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) and their potential implications in asymptomatic patients with diabetes. Recent Findings: Imaging tools can assess non-invasively the presence and severity of CAD, based on myocardial ischemia, coronary artery calcium score, and coronary computed tomography coronary angiography. Subclinical CAD is common in the general population ageing 50 to 64 years with any coronary atherosclerosis present in 42.1% and obstructive CAD in 5.2%. In patients with diabetes, an even higher prevalence has been noted. The presence of myocardial ischemia, obstructive CAD, and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis provide powerful risk stratification regarding the risk of cardiovascular events. However, randomized trials evaluating systematic screening in the general population or patients with diabetes have demonstrated only moderate impact on management and no significant impact on patient outcomes. Summary: Despite providing improved risk stratification, systematic screening of CAD is not recommended in patients with diabetes.