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Elevated plasma homocysteine level in slow coronary flow.
International Journal of Cardiology
|April 30, 2005
Summary
Patients with slow coronary flow (SCF) have significantly higher plasma homocysteine levels, suggesting impaired endothelial function. This finding may help understand the mechanisms behind SCF.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Slow coronary flow (SCF) is a common finding during coronary angiography with an unknown mechanism.
- Elevated plasma homocysteine is linked to various cardiovascular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma homocysteine levels and slow coronary flow (SCF).
- To compare homocysteine levels in patients with SCF versus normal coronary flow (NCF).
Main Methods:
- Coronary angiography was used to diagnose SCF based on the TIMI frame count (TFC) method.
- Plasma homocysteine levels were measured in 39 patients with SCF and 30 control subjects with NCF.
Main Results:
- Patients with SCF had significantly higher TFC compared to controls.
- Plasma homocysteine levels were markedly elevated in the SCF group (14.1+/-2.2 micromol/l) versus the NCF group (5.5+/-1.3 micromol/l).
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma homocysteine levels in patients with SCF support the hypothesis of impaired endothelial function.
- This study provides evidence linking hyperhomocysteinemia to the pathophysiology of slow coronary flow.