Prevalence and Correlation of Abnormal Atherogenic Cardiovascular and Ankle Brachial Indices with Predicted 10-Year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Central Uganda

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of abnormal atherogenic cardiovascular indices, Ankle brachial index and their correlation with the predicted 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk (ASCVD) among type 2 diabetes patients in Central Uganda.

Methodology: Five hundred patients aged 40-79 were consecutively selected. Socio-demographic data was collected with a pre-tested questionnaire. Physical and laboratory measurements were performed. Atherogenic cardiovascular indices such as Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Atherogenic Coefficient and Casteri Risk Index I& II were determined. Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) was measured. We used the revised Pooled Cohorts Risk Equations to quantify the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. The proportions and percentages of atherogenic cardiovascular indices, ABI and 10-year ASCVD risk were determined. Pearson chi-square correlation analyses were performed to determine correlation. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.

Results: The prevalence of elevated AIP was 56.45%, Casteri Risk Index I 68.4%, Casteri Risk Index II 32.6 and Atherogenic Coefficient 64.8%. Low ABI of<0.9 was found among 25.4% while 0.6% had an ABI>1.3.Atherogenic cardiovascular indices significantly correlated with 10 year ASCVD risk with Casteri Risk Index I (r=0.185, P<0.001), Casteri Risk Index II (r=0.127, P=0.004), Atherogenic Coefficient r=0.186, P<0.001). AIP was positively but not significantly correlated with ASCVD risk (r=0.053, P=0.241). ABI negatively correlated with the ASCVD risk (r=-0.225, P<0.001).

Conclusion: Prevalence of abnormal atherogenic cardiovascular indices and ABI was high. They correlated with the ASCVD risk. Atherogenic cardiovascular indices and ABI can be used to screen and manage ASCVD in our setting.