Serum homocysteine levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction in Jordan

Abstract

Objective: To examine the homocysteine level in Jordanian patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods: Plasma fasting homocysteine levels were measured in 90 patients with acute myocardial infarction and compared to 90 age-, sex-, and smoking habit matched control subjects free of clinical coronary disease. Results: Homocysteine (mmol/l) levels were significantly higher in patients compared to controls (18.5±7.8 v 12.0±8.4; p=0.002). Conclusion: The result of this study indicates that homocyteine level is high in patients with acute myocardial infarction and it may be a risk factor for coronary heart disease in Jordanian population. Public health education about homocysteine and its reduction by increasing supplements of folate and vitamin B may reduce the incidence of coronary artery disease in Jordanian population. © 2010 DAR Publishers/University of Jordan. All Rights Reserved.