Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Pathophysiology Considerations and Management: Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is nowadays considered an epidemic in the industrialized world. Among other complications, it affects the heart and is accompanied by an increased cardiovascular mortality. The development of heart failure (HF) in DM occurs independently of any coronary artery disease or hypertension, and this entity is termed “diabetic cardiomyopathy”. Cardiac hypertrophy, abnormal ventricular strain features, diastolic dysfunction and subsequently systolic impairment are the cardinal imaging characteristics. The pathophysiology of the disease is complex and multifactorial and, as a consequence, the therapeutic options, on top of the conventional HF medications, should aim at reversing the pathophysiological processes. Hereby we briefly review the manifestations of diabetic cardiomyopathy, describe the pathogenetic mechanisms and discuss the potential therapeutic targets. Rhythmos 2019;14(4):71-76