THE PREVALENCE OF HYPERHOMOCYSTEINAEMIA IN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY. KS Woo1*, P Chook1,
RCW Chiu1, KP Fung2, JTF Lau3, P Poon1,
WM Chan1, KK Tse1, HK Chung1, K Tang1,
G Yip1, JE Sanderson1, JLF Woo1. 1Department of
Medicine & Therapeutics, 2Department of Biochemistry, 3Centre
for Clinical Trial and Epidemiological Research, The Chinese University of Hong
Kong, Hong Kong SAR. Purpose:
Hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHC) is a new emerging atherosclerosis risk
factor in modernized societies. This
study evaluated the prevalence of HHC in patients with coronary artery disease
(CAD) in Hong Kong. Methods:
68 patients with angiographically documented CAD and 68 age and
gender-matched asymptomatic subjects (Control) enrolled in a community cardiovascular
health screening programme (CATHAY Study) were studied. Their mean age was 53.3±8.4 years and 65%
were males. Fasting total plasma
homocysteine was measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassay (IMX
analyser, Abbott). Results:
The mean fasting total plasma homocysteine (10.7±5.0 µmol/l) was higher
in CAD but plasma folate and creatinine were similar. HHC (homocysteine>12µmol/l) was present in 32.4% CAD and 3% of
Controls (Relative Risk=10.8). Blood
homocysteine, glucose, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and body mass
index were independently associated with CAD in multiple regression model
(partial R = 0.61; F value =8.0; p<0.0001). Beta p-Value Glucose 0.30 0.0004 Homocysteine 0.22 0.0102 HDL-cholesterol -0.23 0.0157 Body
Mass Index 0.17 0.0368 Conclusion: Hyperhomocysteinaemia is prevalent and
independently associated with CAD in Hong Kong Chinese.
