A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Using the Framingham Risk Score

Background: The global burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is continuously increasing, particularly in India. The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is higher in T2DM individuals when compared to nondiabetics, which imposes significant morbidity and mortality. The main aim of the present study was to assess the risk factors for CVD in T2DM patients. The secondary aim was to assess the association between cardiovascular risk profile and 10 -year cardiovascular risk using the Framingham risk score. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 110 T2DM patients, and the anthropometric and biochemical parameters were analyzed. The Framingham cardiovascular risk prediction model was used to calculate the 10 -year risk for CVD. The CVD risk factor was compared among the genders. Further, the association between the Framingham cardiovascular risk and the various categories of risk factors was also analyzed. Results: Based on the Framingham cardiovascular risk score, 23 (20.9%) were at low risk, 39 (35.5%) were at moderate risk, and 48 (43.6%) were at low risk. A higher proportion of males had hypertension (55.2 vs. 17.3%; p=0.007), elevated cholesterol levels (48.3% vs. 23.1%; p=0.008), and smoking or tobacco use (31% vs. 7.7%; p=0.006) as compared to females. The significant risk factors for high 10 -year CVD risk were hypertension (p=0.001), elevated total cholesterol (p=0.03), smoking or tobacco use (p=0.007), and glycemic control (p=0.04). Conclusion: The Framingham cardiovascular risk score estimates reveal that male gender, hypertension, smoking, and uncontrolled diabetes are the important risk factors for CVD progression among diabetic patients. Therefore, it is imperative to generate awareness regarding the potential risks and then implement suitable interventions during the early phases at the primary healthcare level.