Serum alpha 2 globulin concentrations in South African Negro adults free from coronary heart disease

In Western populations serum alpha 2 globulin concentration has been reported to be significantly higher in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) compared with those unaffected. In South Africa, since CHD is extremely rare in Negroes in rural areas, it was judged of value to determine serum alpha 2 globulin concentrations in I. groups of rural elderly Negroes (men and women), and, for comparison, II. two groups of middle-aged to elderly White men, one free from overt CHD, and the other, patients with CHD. Mean values on the Negroes were significantly higher than those on both the White groups. In the latter, the group with CHD had a significantly higher mean value than the non-CHD group. Possible reasons for high values in the Negro groups are an ethnic difference, early malnutrition, greater exposure to infections, and pattern of habitual diet. It is concluded that interpretation of a raised serum alpha 2 globulin concentration in relation to proneness to CHD is influenced by the population concerned.