Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death worldwide and in the Middle East including Jordan. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for CVD and its incidence is rising in the Middle East. Compared with the general population, diabetics face a two- to fourfold increased risk of CVD. In this context, 5 Jordanian studies and registries involving heart attack patients revealed that the overall prevalence of diabetes in Jordan was 48%, similar to the results of a study done in the Arab Gulf countries (45%).

Compared with non-diabetics, diabetics tend to have more severe outcomes and potentially higher death rates when they suffer a heart attack.

Results

Among heart attack patients enrolled in the study, it was found that 45% were known to be diabetics, 11% have new-onset DM, 13% have latent diabetes, and only 31% were nondiabetics. This indicates that about 7 of every ten 10 heart attack patients have some form of diabetes, an alarmingly high rate.

In summary, diabetes afflicts 7 of every 10 patients admitted with heart attacks. Diabetics also tend to suffer more complications.