Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: July 3, 2018
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.
Abstract:
Myocardial infarction is a major consequence of coronary artery disease. Apart from the traditional risk factors of myocardial infarction, recently many reports have suggested that hyperhomocysteinemia plays important role in myocardial infarction. Plasma homocysteine level was determined in 60 myocardial infarction patients and in 35 age matched healthy individuals. Statistically significant differences (p<0.01) were observed in the mean of plasma homocysteine concentrations between the acute myocardial infarction patients (24.59±6.14 mM/L) and in normal healthy individuals (13.73 ±3.54 mM/L). The level of homocysteine in myocardial infarction patients is significantly high (p <0.01) among myocardial infarction patients when compared to that of the controls. The the present study indicates a strong association between plasma homocysteine and acute myocardial infarction among Tamilians, thus implying plasma homocysteine as a possible risk factor for myocardial infarction.
Related Concept Videos
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
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 Studies
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
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 Manifestations
Myocarditis I: Introduction