Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: What Does the Cardiologist Need to Know?

Abstract

Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including atherosclerotic CVD and heart failure. In addition, diabetes is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease, which is considered to be one of the strongest risk factors for CVD and mortality. To address the increased cardiovascular risk of patients with diabetes, dedicated screening strategies for CVD are necessary; conversely, screening for diabetes needs to be performed in all patients with CVD to allow timely identification. Once diabetes is diagnosed, rapid implementation of treatment with therapies to reduce cardiovascular risk on top of standard of care is necessary. This review gives an overview of contemporary therapeutic strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.