Homocysteine and Cardiovascular System

Abstract

Objective: Raised serum homocysteine is one of the risk factor involved in pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Serum B12, folic acid and B6 involved in the metabolism of serum homocysteine. We investigated correlation of dietary habits and serum homocysteine level.

Design: Case control study.

Setting: Bawaskar hospital and research center Mahad Raigad India.

Main outcome and result: 228 patients (male 171 and female 57) were investigated for serum homocysteine level. Of these 108 were from healthy cases having serum homocysteine level was 7.32-14.99(mean 7.36) included in control group (C). Remaining 120 patients (P) with serum homocysteine was raised from 15.43 to 140.81(mean 29.38). These 228 cases were analyzed for dietary habits C Vs P. Strict Vegetarian 26(24.1) Vs 72(60%), mixed both vegetarian and non–vegetarian diet three times a week 53(49.1%) Vs 42(35%), non-vegetarian 29(26.9%) Vs 6(5%) (P<0.001), hyperlipidemia 53(49.1%) Vs 15 (15.5%) P<0.001, Stroke 3(2.8%) Vs 11 (9.2%) P=045, acute myocardial infarction 3(2.8%) Vs 28(23.3%) P<0.001, serum B12 level (<174) 0(0%) Vs 54 (56.3%) P<0.001.

Interpretation: Raised serum homocysteine is one of the independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and strokes.