Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart
disease and is a leading cause of death. People with diabetes
are at much higher risk of developing CHD, which tends to lead
a more severe and extensive course in this subgroup. It is,
therefore, important that these patients are monitored carefully
and screened regularly for any signs of the disease, to enable
early treatment.
Treatment of CHD should be multifactorial, beginning with lifestyle
changes, through pharmacologic therapy, to revascularisation
techniques.
The three primary revascularisation techniques are percutaneous
transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), coronary artery
stenting and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
PTCA and coronary artery stenting are non-surgical procedures,
utilising a catheter with a balloon, with or without a metal
stent; whereas CABG is a major surgical operation. The choice
of procedure for people with diabetes depends on a number
of factors, including extent of vessel occlusion, clinical
status and patient preference.
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