Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) may be mediated through increases in the cardiovascular risk factors.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) also called glycated hemoglobin is presently used for the diagnosis and management
of diabetes. It has adverse effects on cardiovascular system. This review deals with its synthesis and effects on the
cardiovascular system. The serum levels of HbA1c have been reported to be affected by various factors including,
the lifespan of erythrocytes, factors affecting erythropoiesis, agents interfering glycation of Hb, destruction of
erythrocytes, drugs that shift the formation of Hb, statins, and drugs interfering the HbA1c assay. Levels of
HbA1c are positively correlated with serum glucose and advanced glycation end products ( AGE), but no correlation
between AGE and serum glucose. AGE cannot replace HbA1c for the diagnosis and management of diabetes
because there is no correlation of AGE with serum glucose, and because the half-life of protein with which glucose
combines is only 14-20 days as compared to erythrocytes which have a half-life of 90-120 days. HbA1c is
positively associated with CVD such as the carotid and coronary artery atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease,
ischemic stroke and hypertension.HbA1c induces dyslipidemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, and hypertension, and
increases C-reactive protein, oxidative stress and blood viscosity that would contribute to the development of
cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, HbA1c serves as a useful marker for the diagnosis and management of
diabetes. AGE cannot replace HbA1c in the diagnosis and management of diabetes. There is an association of
HbA1c with CVD which be mediated through modulation of CVD risk factors.
Myocardial Infraction: Etiology, Risk Factors, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Management
