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Association between hyperhomocysteinemia and ischemic heart disease in Sri Lankans
S Mendis1, S B Athauda, K Takashi
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
Insights
High homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinaemia) are linked to a threefold increased risk of ischemic heart disease in Sri Lankan patients. This study highlights the importance of homocysteine as a potential biomarker for coronary risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hyperhomocysteinaemia, an elevated level of homocysteine in the blood, is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Understanding the prevalence and association of hyperhomocysteinaemia with ischemic heart disease (IHD) in diverse populations is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between elevated homocysteine levels and the presence of ischemic heart disease in a Sri Lankan patient cohort.
- To determine if hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease in this specific demographic.
Main Methods:
- Serum concentrations of homocysteine, cysteine, and cysteinylglycine were quantified in 54 patients diagnosed with IHD.
- A control group, matched for age and sex, was used for comparison of biochemical markers.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare mean concentrations and assess the odds ratio for hyperhomocysteinaemia in IHD patients.
Main Results:
- Patients with ischemic heart disease exhibited significantly higher mean serum concentrations of homocysteine and cysteine compared to controls (P<0.01).
- Approximately 35% of IHD patients had fasting homocysteine levels above the 90th percentile of the control group.
- An odds ratio of 3.2 indicated a 3.2-fold increased likelihood of IHD in individuals with elevated homocysteine levels.
Conclusions:
- Hyperhomocysteinaemia is significantly associated with ischemic heart disease in the studied Sri Lankan population.
- The findings suggest that elevated homocysteine levels confer approximately a threefold increase in coronary risk.
- Homocysteine may serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing cardiovascular risk in clinical practice, particularly in South Asian populations.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to examine the relation between hyperhomocysteinaemia and ischemic heart disease in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with ischemic heart disease.
Method:
Serum homocysteine, cysteine and cysteinylglyceine were measured in 54 patients with a definite diagnosis of ischemic heart disease and compared with those of an age and sex matched control group.
Results:
Patients with coronary ischaemia had significantly higher mean concentrations of homocysteine and its metabolite cysteine (P<0.01). Of the 54 patients with ischemic heart disease 14 (35%) had fasting homocysteine concentrations above the 90th percentile of the controls (odds ratio 3.2, 95% CL 1.0-11.3).
Conclusion:
Hyperhomocysteinaemia is associated with a three fold increase in coronary risk.