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[Effect of homocysteine on left ventricular structural and functional parameters in patients on programmed

U V Kharlamova, O E Il'icheva

    Terapevticheskii Arkhiv
    |May 31, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Elevated plasma homocysteine (Hc) is linked to adverse left ventricular (LV) changes in hemodialysis patients. Higher Hc levels correlate with LV hypertrophy and impaired diastolic function, indicating a negative impact on heart structure and performance.

    Area of Science:

    • Nephrology
    • Cardiology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Patients undergoing programmed hemodialysis often exhibit elevated plasma homocysteine (Hc) levels.
    • Hyperhomocysteinemia is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular complications in chronic kidney disease.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the association between plasma homocysteine concentrations and left ventricular (LV) structure and function.
    • To assess the impact of Hc on cardiac remodeling and diastolic function in hemodialysis patients.

    Main Methods:

    • Echocardiography and plasma Hc level measurements were performed in 109 patients on programmed hemodialysis.
    • Statistical analyses, including correlation and multivariate regression, were used to evaluate the relationships.

    Main Results:

    • Patients showed significantly higher Hc levels compared to healthy individuals, with a high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia.
    • Positive correlations were observed between Hc levels and LV mass (LVM), E/A ratio, and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT).
    • Multivariate analysis confirmed Hc as an independent predictor of LV relative wall thickness (RWT), E peak, and LV IRT.

    Conclusions:

    • Elevated plasma Hc levels are associated with detrimental changes in LV structure and diastolic function in hemodialysis patients.
    • Hc appears to exert an unfavorable effect on the left ventricle, contributing to cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.
    Abstract

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