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[Association between plasmatic levels of homocysteine and stroke: a transversal analytic study]

Lillian Harboe-Gonçalves1, Luiz Sérgio Vaz, Marcelo Buzzi

  • 1Hospital SARAH, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.

Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|April 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to ischemic stroke, particularly in individuals with hypertension and atherosclerosis. This finding highlights homocysteine as a potential risk factor for stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Science

Context:

  • Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.
  • Understanding risk factors is crucial for stroke prevention and management.
  • Homocysteine, an amino acid, has been implicated as a potential risk factor for vascular diseases.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the association between homocysteine levels and ischemic stroke.
  • To examine the influence of factors like age, gender, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes on this association.
  • To explore the relationship between homocysteine and the etiology of cerebrovascular disease.

Summary:

  • A study of 104 ischemic stroke patients and 98 controls found significantly higher homocysteine levels in patients.
  • Elevated homocysteine was associated with hypertension and atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease.
  • Logistic regression confirmed a relationship between atherosclerosis and homocysteine, suggesting its role in stroke.

Impact:

  • This research identifies homocysteine as a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke.
  • Findings may inform clinical practice regarding stroke risk assessment and prevention strategies.
  • Further research into homocysteine-lowering therapies could be warranted.
Abstract

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