Dr. Dangs World Heart Day study

• Data from Dr. Dangs Lab in Delhi and Dr. Ameya Joshi, Endocrinologist at Bhaktivedanta Hospital in Mumbai, reveals as high as 34% of T2DM patients exhibit elevated NT-proBNP levels, a critical blood biomarker indicating high risk of Heart Failure

New Delhi, [29th September 2024] – On World Heart Day, new data from Dr. Dangs Lab and Dr. Ameya Joshi, a leading endocrinologist at Bhaktivedanta Hospital, revealed a concerning surge in heart failure (HF) risk among diabetic patients in Delhi NCR and Mumbai. An analysis of over 2,000 patient samples from Dr. Dangs Lab in Delhi NCR found that 15% of individuals with an HbA1c score above 6.5 mg/dL showed elevated NT-proBNP levels, a biomarker for early heart failure detection. Similarly, Dr. Joshi's study of 1,054 patients confirmed that 34% of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular complications.

Heart failure is one of the most serious cardiovascular complications in patients with T2DM. The co-existence of diabetes and heart failure is linked to worse symptoms, a higher rate of hospitalisations, and increased mortality compared to patients without T2DM. Even with optimal control, people with T2DM still face a 21% higher risk for CVD and a 31% higher risk for HF related hospitalisation compared to non-diabetics.¹

Dr Ameya Joshi, Sr Consultant, Bhaktivedanta Hospital, Mumbai adds, “The data from Mumbai confirms a worrying trend. People with diabetes, especially in urban settings, are increasingly at risk of heart failure. NT-proBNP testing offers a critical tool for early detection, enabling healthcare professionals to intervene before heart damage becomes irreversible. This insight should encourage clinicians to incorporate CVD risk screening as a routine part of diabetes care.”

NT-proBNP elevation is an early indicator of heart failure in T2DM patients, detectable before structural or functional changes appear on imaging. As a vital tool for assessing heart failure risk, the NT-proBNP test has revealed the hidden burden of heart failure in diabetics. Performed on Roche Diagnostics' cobas® pro integrated solutions, this test has significantly advanced cardiometabolic testing at Dr. Dangs Lab.

 Dr. Arjun Dang, CEO, Dr. Dangs Lab, said, “This study is a critical wake-up call. The alarming percentage of diabetics at risk of heart failure highlights the urgent need for proactive screening and timely intervention. Raising awareness about the silent link between diabetes and heart failure can help transform patient outcomes. Our study underscores the crucial role of timely screening in preventing complications, making a profound impact on patient longevity and well-being ”

Dr. Sandeep Sewlikar, Head- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Regulatory and Quality,Roche Diagnostics India & Neighbouring Markets remarked, “The findings from both regions indicate a critical need to expand screening efforts to identify high risk patients and provide them with appropriate medical aid.  In line with the global mission of World Heart Day, Our ‘Raho Dil Se Fit’ campaign is inspiring India to prioritize heart health, making proactive, preventive care the foundation in combating cardiovascular and diabetes complications.”

Adding to this, Dr. Sanjay Kalra, a leading endocrinologist, said, “Without this vital test, many of these high-risk patients would have gone undiagnosed, placing them at an even greater risk of mortality. These insights should prompt a paradigm shift in how we approach diabetes care, with a stronger emphasis on integrating cardiovascular risk assessments into routine management.”