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Increased plasma homocysteine concentrations in healthy people with hostile behavior: the ATTICA study

Demosthenes B Panagiotakos1, Christos Pitsavos, Christine Chrysohoou

  • 1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece. d.b.panagiotakos@usa.net

Medical Science Monitor : International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research
|July 28, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Hostility is linked to higher homocysteine levels, a potential risk factor for heart disease. This study explored the connection between hostility and thrombotic markers in adults without cardiovascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Cardiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hostility is a psychological factor associated with coronary heart disease.
  • The exact mechanisms linking hostility to coronary risk are not fully understood.
  • This study investigated hostility's association with inflammation and thrombotic markers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between hostility and inflammation (thrombotic markers).
  • To examine this relationship in a population-based sample of males and females without clinical cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • The ATTICA study surveyed 410 participants in Greece (2001-2002).
  • Participants completed the Hostility and Direction of Hostility questionnaire.
  • Blood samples were analyzed for high sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, white blood cell counts, and plasma homocysteine.

Main Results:

  • Multivariate regression analysis showed hostility score positively associated with homocysteine levels (p=0.015).
  • A 10-unit increase in hostility correlated with a 2.9 micromol/l rise in homocysteine.
  • No significant association was found with other thrombotic markers after controlling for covariates.

Conclusions:

  • Findings suggest a positive relationship between homocysteine levels and hostility.
  • Further prospective studies are needed to determine if hostility influences inflammation or thrombotic processes.
Abstract

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