Is Homocysteine a silent marker for cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in India. Association between hyperhomocysteinemia and Metabolic Syndrome (MS) or its components in a population with or without cardiovascular disease is not well established. This study aims to check levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and its relationship with CVD. Aims and Objectives: To check Hcy levels in healthy adults and MS patients to reflect its association with CVD. Material and Methods: Case control study was done on 40 subjects patients with MS (n=20) and controls (n=20) of 30 - 60 years at Fr. Muller Medical College Hospital, Karnataka. Results: Homocysteine levels were significantly higher in MS group when compared to controls (p = 0.04). Conclusion: MS group had higher homocysteine levels along with blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol when compared to controls. Elevated levels of Hcy can be a marker for cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest the overall role of homocysteine function on insulin resistance, and its association with cardiovascular parameters.