Homocysteine status and acute myocardial infarction among Tamilians

T Angeline1, Rita Mary Aruna, K Ramadevi

  • 1Department of Zoology, Lady Doak College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu India.

Insights

Elevated plasma homocysteine levels are significantly associated with acute myocardial infarction in Tamil patients. This finding suggests hyperhomocysteinemia may be a crucial risk factor for heart attacks.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Myocardial infarction is a primary complication of coronary artery disease.
  • Emerging evidence suggests hyperhomocysteinemia as a potential contributor to myocardial infarction.
  • Traditional risk factors do not fully explain all cases of myocardial infarction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between plasma homocysteine levels and acute myocardial infarction.
  • To determine if hyperhomocysteinemia is a significant risk factor in the Tamil population.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma homocysteine concentrations were measured in 60 patients with acute myocardial infarction.
  • Plasma homocysteine levels were also measured in 35 age-matched healthy controls.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to compare homocysteine levels between the two groups.

Main Results:

  • Mean plasma homocysteine levels were significantly higher in myocardial infarction patients (24.59±6.14 mM/L) compared to healthy controls (13.73 ±3.54 mM/L).
  • The difference in homocysteine concentrations between patients and controls was statistically significant (p<0.01).

Conclusions:

  • A strong association exists between elevated plasma homocysteine and acute myocardial infarction in the Tamil population.
  • Plasma homocysteine is indicated as a potential risk factor for myocardial infarction.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of hyperhomocysteinemia in cardiovascular disease.

Related Concept Videos

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers01:20

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers

Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...