Serum Homocysteine level in the setting of acute coronary syndrome in young adult patients

Background: Acute coronary syndrome is a major cause of illness and death worldwide. Homocysteine serves as a noteworthy biomarker for assessing the overall state of an individual's health. Aim: The purpose of the study was to compare the level of homocysteine in young and elderly acute coronary syndrome patients, and investigate the correlation between homocysteine levels and other risk factors of acute coronary syndrome. Methods: The current study was cross-sectional. It was conducted at Internal Medicine Department and Coronary Care Unit of Sohag University Hospitals during the period from January 2022 to May 2023. The study involved one hundred patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome. They were classified into two groups according to age. Group (A) comprised 50 patients aged between 18-40 years, and group (B) involved 50 patients aged 40 years and more. A complete history, clinical assessment, laboratory testing (cardiac enzymes, lipid profile and homocysteine level), ECG, and echocardiogram were carried out on every patient. Results: Most cases in group A and B had high homocysteine levels. There was no significant statistical difference between both groups. The homocysteine level in group A showed a positive correlation with triglycerides and a negative correlation with HDL. There was a negative correlation in group B between systolic, diastolic blood pressure and homocysteine levels. Conclusion: Homocysteine level was elevated in most cases of acute coronary syndrome; so it is crucial to investigate its level as a significant risk factor of acute coronary syndrome.