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Mild hyperhomocysteinaemia is associated with increased aortic stiffness in general population

O Mayer1, J Filipovský, M Dolejsová

  • 1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Centre of Preventive Cardiology, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic. mayerjr@lfp.cuni.cz

Journal of Human Hypertension
|January 27, 2006
PubMed

Insights

High total homocysteine (tHcy) levels are linked to stiffer central arteries. This study found a significant, independent association between tHcy and aortic pulse wave velocity (APWV) in the general population.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Metabolic Medicine
  • Arterial Biomechanics

Background:

  • Elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) is a recognized cardiovascular risk factor.
  • Arterial stiffness, particularly in large arteries, contributes to cardiovascular events.
  • The relationship between tHcy and central arterial mechanical properties requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between tHcy levels and mechanical properties of large arteries.
  • To determine if this association persists after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors and homocysteine confounders.
  • To assess the risk of increased aortic stiffness in individuals with mild hyperhomocysteinaemia.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 251 general population subjects (mean age 48 years).
  • Measurement of aortic pulse wave velocity (APWV) and peripheral pulse wave velocity (PWV) using Sphygmocor.
  • Statistical analysis including correlation, ANOVA, and multivariate regression, adjusting for confounders.

Main Results:

  • Aortic PWV (APWV) positively correlated with tHcy (r=0.28, P<0.0001).
  • APWV showed a significant increasing trend across tHcy quartiles (P=0.0003).
  • The association between tHcy and APWV remained significant after adjusting for multiple cardiovascular risk factors and confounders. Mild hyperhomocysteinaemia (tHcy ≥ 15 µmol/L) increased the risk of high APWV (top quartile) by 2.74 times.

Conclusions:

  • Homocysteine concentration is strongly and independently associated with aortic stiffness (APWV) in the general population.
  • This finding highlights tHcy as a significant factor influencing central arterial mechanics.
  • No significant association was observed for peripheral PWV or radial augmentation index.

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