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Published on: July 3, 2018

Elevation of plasma homocysteine levels associated with acute myocardial infarction

M P Senaratne1, J Griffiths, J Nagendran

  • 1Division of Cardiac Sciences, Grey Nuns Hospital, Edmonton, Alta. mano@ibm.net

Clinical and Investigative Medicine. Medecine Clinique Et Experimentale
|September 12, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels are elevated during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). For accurate baseline assessment, Hcy measurement should be deferred for six weeks post-discharge.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) is a risk factor for coronary artery disease.
  • Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can affect Hcy levels, necessitating investigation into optimal measurement timing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of AMI on plasma Hcy levels.
  • To establish the ideal time for measuring Hcy as a cardiovascular risk indicator.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective case study design was employed.
  • Hcy levels were measured in 62 AMI patients within 48-72 hours of admission and at 6 weeks post-discharge.
  • An additional 15 patients had Hcy levels measured on hospital days 1 and 3.

Main Results:

  • Mean Hcy levels were significantly higher during AMI (13.6 micromol/L) compared to 6 weeks post-discharge (12.1 micromol/L).
  • Abnormal Hcy levels (>12 micromol/L) were found in 31 patients early and 21 patients later (p < 0.001).
  • In a subset, Hcy levels on day 3 (9.7 micromol/L) were significantly higher than on day 1 (7.7 micromol/L) (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • AMI is associated with elevated plasma Hcy levels, potentially due to acute-phase reactant proteins.
  • Hcy measurements should be delayed for six weeks after AMI to obtain a true baseline level.
  • This timing ensures accurate assessment of Hcy as a cardiovascular risk factor.
Abstract

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