Cross-sectional Assessment of Homocysteine Levels in Patients Undergoing Cardiovascular Risk Screening

Background: In the world, cardiovascular diseases are a major morbid and mortal illness. Although the traditional risk factors and variables, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and smoking are well-established, they cannot explain the cardiovascular risk in all individuals. The amino acid homocysteine which is a sulfur-containing concern in the metabolism of methionine has been suggested to act as an independent cardiovascular risk element, yet its role in the regular screening of cardiovascular risk is unclear. Objective: The objectives of the present study were to evaluate levels of serum homocysteine in the individuals who are subjected to cardiovascular risk screening, and to determine the relationship of serum homocysteine with known cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: A one-year cross-sectional observational study was carried out on a sample of 100 adult participants (study subjects who have undergone cardiovascular risk assessment). Clinical parameters, demographic data and laboratories were noted. Standardized enzymatic assay was used in the determination of fasting serum homocysteine with a level above 15 µmol/L being regarded as high. Proper statistical tests were done to determine the association between cardiovascular risk factors and homocysteine levels and p < 0.05 was defined as statistically significant. Results: The participants had high levels of serum homocysteine, 38% of them. Male, smoking, hypertensives, and dyslipidemic people were also found to have hyperhomocysteinemia much more frequently (p < 0.05). The homocysteine level and diabetes mellitus were found not to have a statistically significant relationship. Conclusion: A high percentage of people who have cardiovascular risk screening have high levels of homocysteine that are strongly linked with various traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The results indicated that homocysteine estimation can be a valuable supplement in the cardiovascular risk classification.