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Published on: July 14, 2016
Homocysteine (Hcy) follow-up study
Arnon Blum1, Ihsan Hijazi, Michal Mashiach Eizenberg
1Department of Internal Medicine A, Poria Medical Center, Lower Galilee, Israel. navablum@hotmail.com
High homocysteine (Hcy) levels increase mortality risk in men with atherosclerosis. However, long-term treatment with medications like Aspirin significantly improved survival rates in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and venous thrombosis.
- Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels predict mortality in patients with ischemic heart disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term clinical outcomes of patients with atherosclerosis risk factors and high homocysteine concentrations.
- To assess the relationship between homocysteine levels and mortality in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year follow-up study of 89 patients with atherosclerosis risk factors.
- Data collection included plasma total homocysteine (Hcy) levels, clinical examinations, medical record reviews (smoking, comorbidities, medications), and statistical analysis using SPSS.
- Patient outcomes, including survival, were monitored.
Main Results:
- Men with high Hcy concentrations had a significantly higher mortality rate (17%) compared to those with normal levels (P<0.05).
- Homocysteine levels did not impact survival in women.
- No association was found between Hcy and diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, or hypertension.
- Long-term treatment with Beta Blockers, ACE inhibitors, Calcium Channel blockers, and particularly Aspirin, significantly reduced mortality in patients with high Hcy (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia may negatively affect survival in men.
- Medications including Beta Blockers, ACE inhibitors, Calcium Channel Blockers, and Aspirin can alter the natural course of high Hcy patients by preventing death.
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