EVALUATION OF SERUM HOMOCYSTEINE AS AN INDEPENDENT RISK FACTOR FOR MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN YOUNG PATIENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Abnormal Homocysteine (HCY) level appear to contribute to atherosclerosis by direct toxic effect that damages the arterial linings, interfering with the clotting factors and oxidation of LDL. Some 10% to 20% of cases of Coronary heart disease have been linked to elevated level of serum Homocysteine.

Objective: This case control study was designed to study the Homocysteine levels in young patients with MI & to carry out statistical analysis to evaluate Homocysteine as an independent risk factor for MI.

Methods: The mean serum Homocysteine in patients of MI and control was calculated and its association with Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.

Results: The mean serum Homocysteine in case and control was 29.77 µmol / L and 11 µmol / L respectively with S.D of 6.97 µmol / L and 1.96 µmol / L respectively with a significant p value of 0.0001. The difference in Homocysteine levels observed between patients with LDL-C ≥ 100 mg% and those with LDL-C < 100 mg% was not significant. The difference in Homocysteine levels observed between patients with HDL-C ≥ 40 mg% and those with HDL-C < 40 mg% was not significant. The difference in Homocysteine levels observed between patients with S. Cholesterol ≥ 200 mg% and those with S. Cholesterol < 200 mg% was significant ( P value = 0.0001).

Conclusion: From the above findings, in this study the low levels of LDL-C and high levels of HDL-C did not protect the patients against the Homocysteine induced coronary artery disease. Also it shows that in patients who did not have high levels of total cholesterol, the higher levels of Serum Homocysteine triggered the coronary artery disease.