Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Ultrasound Based Assessment of Coronary Artery Flow and Coronary Flow Reserve Using the Pressure Overload Model in Mice
06:39

Ultrasound Based Assessment of Coronary Artery Flow and Coronary Flow Reserve Using the Pressure Overload Model in Mice

Published on: April 13, 2015

Plasma homocysteine levels and the left ventricular systolic function in coronary artery disease patients

Syed W Bokhari1, Zubaria W Bokhari, Jason A Zell

  • 1University of Chicago-Pritzker School of Medicine, Illinois 60637, USA. sbokhari@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu

Coronary Artery Disease
|April 9, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Elevated homocysteine levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are linked to more severe disease and impaired left ventricular systolic function. This suggests homocysteine may directly affect heart muscle function, independent of its role in atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is linked to atherothrombosis and cardiovascular mortality.
  • The association between hyperhomocysteinemia and coronary artery disease (CAD) extent is debated.
  • The impact of hyperhomocysteinemia on left ventricular systolic function is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and the severity of CAD.
  • To determine the association between hyperhomocysteinemia and left ventricular systolic function in patients with CAD.

Main Methods:

  • 157 patients with angiographically confirmed CAD were analyzed.
  • Coronary artery disease severity was assessed using Gensini score and number of stenosed vessels.
  • Left ventricular systolic function was evaluated using ventriculography.

Main Results:

  • Elevated homocysteine levels significantly correlated with increased CAD severity (Gensini score and number of diseased vessels).
  • Patients with hyperhomocysteinemia exhibited significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.
  • Homocysteine levels were identified as an independent predictor of left ventricular systolic function.

Conclusions:

  • Homocysteine levels independently correlate with left ventricular systolic function in CAD patients.
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with global left ventricular dysfunction.
  • The mechanism may involve a direct effect of homocysteine on myocardial function, separate from its role in coronary atherosclerosis.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty10:03

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty

Published on: January 28, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...