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New Insights into the Role of Visit-to-Visit Glycemic Variability and Blood Pressure Variability in Cardiovascular Disease Risk

  • Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (D Bruemmer, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

There is evidence from epidemiologic studies that variability in cardiovascular risk factors influences risk of cardiovascular disease. We review new studies and novel findings in the relationship between visit-to-visit glycemic variability and blood pressure variability and risk of adverse outcomes.

Recent Findings

Visit-to-visit glycemic variability is consistently linked to macrovascular disease. This relationship has been observed in both clinical trials and retrospective studies of electronic health records. Long-term blood pressure variability also predicts cardiovascular outcomes, and the association appears stronger in those with lower levels of systolic and diastolic function.

Summary

As epidemiologic evidence increases in support of a role for metabolic risk factor variability in cardiovascular risk, there is a corresponding rise in interest in applying this information toward improving risk factor prediction and treatment. Future investigation of underlying mechanisms for these associations as well as implications for therapy is also warranted. The potential additive contribution of variability of multiple parameters also merits additional scrutiny. As our technology for capturing risk factor variability continues to improve, this will only enhance our understanding of its links with vascular disease and how to best utilize this information to reduce cardiovascular outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA

    Jin J. Zhou & Daniel S. Nuyujukian

  2. Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ, USA

    Jin J. Zhou, Daniel S. Nuyujukian & Peter D. Reaven

  3. College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA

    Peter D. Reaven

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  1. Jin J. Zhou
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  2. Daniel S. Nuyujukian
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Correspondence to Daniel S. Nuyujukian.

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Zhou, J.J., Nuyujukian, D.S. & Reaven, P.D. New Insights into the Role of Visit-to-Visit Glycemic Variability and Blood Pressure Variability in Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Curr Cardiol Rep 23, 25 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-021-01454-x

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