HbA1c greater predictor of coronary atherosclerosis in women than men

Gender had a significant effect on the association between HbA1c and angiographically diagnosed coronary atherosclerosis among patients without previously known diabetes, according to data presented at AHA 2013.

Christoph H. Saely, MD, of the Academic Teaching Hospital Feldkirch in Austria, and colleagues enrolled a consecutive series of 1,449 patients (484 women, 965 men) who did not have previously known diabetes and who underwent coronary angiography for the evaluation of stable coronary artery disease, according to abstract data.

HbA1c values of <5.7% were evident in 36.4% of women and 44.2% of men; values of 5.7% to 6.4% in 56.2% of women and 46.6% of men; and values of ≥6.5% in 7.4% of women and 9.1% of men, according to data.

The prevalence of angiographically diagnosed coronary atherosclerosis was 31.2% (HbA1c <5.7%), 38.2% (HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4%) and 47.2% (HbA1c ≥6.5%) among women (P trend=.041), and 63.2% (HbA1c <5.7%), 65.3% (HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4%) and 64.8% (HbA1c ≥6.5%) among men (P trend=.589), according to data.

HbA1c as a continuous variable also was a strong predictor of coronary atherosclerosis among women (adjusted OR for a 1% increase in HbA1c=1.61; 95% CI, 1.07-2.43), but not among men (OR=0.92; 95% CI, 0.74-1.13), according to data.

Looking at HbA1c via gender interactions showed significant correlations (P=.022), indicating that HbA1c was a stronger predictor of coronary atherosclerosis among women as compared with their male counterparts, according to data.

For more information:

Saely CH. Abstract #10101. Presented at: the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions; Nov. 16-20, 2013; Dallas.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.