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Hyperhomocysteinaemia in Sri Lankan patients with coronary artery disease

Sriyantha Mendis1, Pramod Ranatunga, Mohan Jayatilake

  • 1Asiri Hospital, Colombo. sriy@dynaweb.lk

The Ceylon Medical Journal
|November 27, 2002
PubMed

Insights

High homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinaemia) are significantly linked to coronary artery disease (CAD) in Sri Lankans. This independent association persists even after accounting for other common risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality globally.
  • Hyperhomocysteinaemia, elevated levels of the amino acid homocysteine, is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
  • Understanding the association between hyperhomocysteinaemia and CAD in diverse populations is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between hyperhomocysteinaemia and coronary artery disease (CAD) in a Sri Lankan population.
  • To determine if this association is independent of other known CAD risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted involving 105 patients with diagnosed CAD and 112 healthy controls.
  • Fasting serum homocysteine levels were measured for all participants.
  • Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to control for confounding variables.

Main Results:

  • A serum homocysteine level exceeding 18.2 mumol/l was defined as high.
  • Initial analysis suggested confounding by other risk factors.
  • However, multivariate analysis revealed a significant independent association between hyperhomocysteinaemia and CAD (adjusted odds ratio = 2.881).

Conclusions:

  • Hyperhomocysteinaemia is a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease in the studied Sri Lankan population.
  • The association between high homocysteine levels and CAD is independent of other conventional risk factors.
  • These findings underscore the importance of homocysteine as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in CAD prevention and management.
Abstract

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