Ignored or underestimated - evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with adrenal insufficiency

PurposePatients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) are known to have a higher cardiovascular risk (CVR) than the normal population. In particular arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension, hyperlipoproteinemia as well as metabolic disturbances contribute to the increased morbidity and mortality. Aim of this study was to evaluate known CVR factors along with the quality of care by the treating physicians.MethodsTo this end the medical records of AI patients were screened for CVR factors and the treatment initiated was documented. In addition, a questionnaire evaluating CVR factors was analyzed if available.ResultsIn total, 327 AI patients were included in the study. At least 298 of these patients were found to have one or more CVR factors. Ninety-one patients were diagnosed with arterial hypertension, of these 40 patients (44%) still showed increased blood pressure (BP) values. Of all AI patients, about 25% (n = 83) did not have measurements to calculate their BMI, even though obesity is known as a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. Out of 46 patients with diabetes, one-quarter still had increased HbA1c values. Regarding hyperlipoproteinemia, only 2% of AI patients achieved normal lipid values across all parameters (n = 8). Interestingly, at least one lipid variable was untested in 150 patients (46%).ConclusionOur study demonstrates (1) the high rate of CVR factors in AI patients, leading to increased morbidity and eventually mortality, (2) AI patients are inadequately monitored and treated for CVR factors, (3) treating physicians should be aware of this risk to minimize complications where possible.