ISCHEMIC-HEART-DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES-MELLITUS IN JAPAN

The risk of death by ischemic heart disease (IHD) in patients with dia betes mellitus is higher than in non diabetics, and the average life s pan of the diabetics is shorter than in non-diabetics in Japan. There is no direct correlation between the occurrence of IHD and severity or glycemic control of diabetes. However, the mortality by IHD increases in diabetic patients with severe retinopathy and/or massive proteinur ia. Regarding the management of IHD, diabetes is not considered a cont raindication to thrombolytic therapy. The indication and results of pe rcutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary bypass surge ry are the same as in non-diabetics.