What are the risks associated with having both stable ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus?
Stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) and diabetes mellitus are associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular mortality rate, with death rates 3-fold higher in men and between 2- and 5-fold higher in women than in patients without diabetes mellitus. Sudden cardiac death also occurs more frequently in patients with diabetes mellitus. Aggressive management of cardiovascular risk factors, including hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, smoking, low physical activity, and obesity, is essential, along with appropriate glycemic control. Among patients with IHD, the presence of concomitant diabetes mellitus increases the risk of adverse events, regardless of whether the patient is treated medically or with revascularization.