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First published online January 1, 2008

Cardiovascular effects of acute hyperglycaemia: pathophysiological underpinnings

Abstract

High admission blood glucose levels after acute myocardial infarction are common and are associated with an increased risk of death in subjects with and without diabetes. In this review, the possible toxic effects of acute hyperglycaemia are discussed as a possible explanation for the worse prognosis in subjects with myocardial infarction and concomitant hyperglycaemia. In particular, evidence supporting the hypothesis that acute hyperglycaemia may favour the appearance of cardiovascular disease through the generation of oxidative stress is presented.

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Article first published online: January 1, 2008
Issue published: November 2008

Keywords

  1. endothelial dysfunction
  2. oxidative stress
  3. postprandial hyperglycaemia

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PubMed: 18958835

Authors

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Antonio Ceriello
Warwick Medical School, Clinical Science Research Institute, Clinical Science Building, University Hospital – Walsgrave Campus, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.

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