Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025

Aggravation of Myocardial Ischemia upon Particulate Matter Exposure in Atherosclerosis Animal Model
Published on: December 10, 2021
The relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and total coronary artery occlusion: a cross-sectional study from
Kaiyong Xiao1, Yuxiong Chen2, Lian Xiao1
1Department of Cardiology, Guangyuan Central Hospital, Lizhou District, Guangyuan, Sichuan.
Insights
High homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia) significantly increase the risk of total coronary artery occlusion (TCAO). This association is notable in men, older individuals, smokers, and those without diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia is an emerging risk factor for coronary artery disease.
- Limited research exists on the link between hyperhomocysteinemia and total coronary artery occlusion (TCAO).
- Understanding TCAO risk factors, including hyperhomocysteinemia, is crucial for cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hyperhomocysteinemia and TCAO in a Southwest Chinese population.
- To explore interactions between hyperhomocysteinemia and traditional cardiovascular risk factors for TCAO.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 890 adult patients.
- Defined TCAO as complete occlusion of >1 coronary segment.
- Defined hyperhomocysteinemia as serum homocysteine ≥15 μmol/L.
- Utilized multivariable logistic regression and subgroup analyses.
Main Results:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of TCAO (OR 1.74).
- Elevated homocysteine as a continuous variable also correlated with higher TCAO risk.
- The association was significant in men, elderly, overweight, smokers, and non-diabetic individuals.
Conclusions:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia is a significant risk factor for TCAO in Southwest China.
- Specific subgroups, including men, the elderly, overweight individuals, smokers, and non-diabetics, face a heightened risk.
- Further research may elucidate mechanisms and inform targeted prevention strategies.
Background:
Increasing evidence points to hyperhomocysteinemia as an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease in addition to traditional cardiovascular risks, but few have studied the association between hyperhomocysteinemia and total coronary artery occlusion (TCAO). To understand the risk factors for TCAO, we investigated the potential relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and TCAO, and the interactions between cardiovascular risk factors and hyperhomocysteinemia.
Methods:
A total of 890 adult patients from Southwest China participated in this cross-sectional study between February 2018 and February 2021. TCAO was defined as complete occlusion of more than one of the 15 coronary segments. Hyperhomocysteinemia was defined as serum homocysteine levels ≥15 μmol/L. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and TCAO. The relationship between homocysteine as a continuous variable and TCAO was also analyzed. Subgroup analyses by sex, age, weight, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were done, and interactions between subgroup variables and hyperhomocysteinemia were performed.
Results:
Individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia showed an increased risk for TCAO. The adjusted odds ratio for TCAO in individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia was 1.74 (95% confidence interval, 1.28-2.36). When analyzed as a continuous variable, homocysteine was associated with an increased risk for TCAO. Subgroup analysis showed that the association between hyperhomocysteinemia and TCAO was statistically significant in men, elderly, overweight, smokers, and non-diabetic people. Interaction analysis showed no significant interactions between hyperhomocysteinemia and group variables.
Conclusions:
In Southwest China, hyperhomocysteinemia was significantly associated with TCAO. This association was particularly significant in men, elderly, overweight, smokers, and non-diabetic people.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

