Homocysteine level key marker for heart problems in youth: AIIMS study

Bhopal: Keep tabs on homocysteine levels. Hyperhomocysteinemia or high homocysteine level which increases risk of heart disease, is frequently being detected in young cardiac patients in Bhopal.

A study is underway in AIIMS Bhopal to evaluate the causes of cardiac episodes in youngsters. Early indications are a routine homocysteine level check could be a way forward to identify venerable population. A check of serum homocysteine level, perhaps could be a way to identify youngsters who are venerable to cardiac incidents. “Most patients with coronary artery disease had above average levels of amino acid homocysteine in the bloodstream,” said AIIMS Bhopal department of cardiology assistant professor Dr Kislay Shrivastava.

The trigger for hyperhomocysteinemia is not limited low levels of vitamins (like B6, B12 and others). Hypertension, diabetes and dietary habits along with generic predisposition should also be understood.

“We find that people who regularly exercise, have also been identified with hyperhomocysteinemia,” he said. “Around six years ago, in my study, the levels of hyperhomocysteinemia were not very high (around 30 per cent). In Bhopal, the percentage levels of young patients with coronary artery disease is much higher,” he added. The first study was not localised to Bhopal.

Another regular predisposition to impact on heart health is low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol often referred to as ‘bad cholesterol’. Various studies have indicated LDL is more detrimental in South Asians. “As Indians, we are more susceptible due to genetic disposition. LDL cholesterol levels and coronary artery disease are often linked in some cardiac patients. Indians have higher micro LDL is more detrimental to health,” he added.