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The predictive value of vitamin B12 concentrations and hyperhomocysteinaemia for cardiovascular disease

M G H van Oijen1, R J F Laheij, J B M J Jansen

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

Netherlands Heart Journal : Monthly Journal of the Netherlands Society of Cardiology and the Netherlands Heart Foundation
|November 22, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study found that high homocysteine and low vitamin B12 levels are independent in cardiovascular patients and do not predict ischemic heart disease. These markers are not useful for diagnosing heart conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease is linked to homocysteine and vitamin B12.
  • Limited data exists on their relationship in cardiovascular patients.
  • This study investigates vitamin B12 deficiency and homocysteine correlation in these patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Assess vitamin B12 deficiency prevalence in cardiovascular disease patients.
  • Examine the correlation between vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels.
  • Determine if these factors are associated with ischemic heart disease.

Main Methods:

  • Blood samples analyzed from 229 coronary care unit patients.
  • Demographics and clinical data extracted from medical records.
  • Adjusted logistic regression used to analyze associations.

Main Results:

  • 33% of patients had low serum vitamin B12 (<203 ng/l).
  • 36% had elevated plasma homocysteine levels (> upper limit).
  • No statistical association found between vitamin B12, homocysteine, and ischemic heart disease.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia and low vitamin B12 are independent in cardiovascular patients.
  • These conditions do not serve as diagnostic tools for ischemic heart disease.
  • Further research may explore other contributing factors to cardiovascular disease.
Abstract

Keywords:
cardiovascular diseasehomocysteinevitamin B12

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