Biochemical markers for early detection of cardiovascular disease in smokers

Introduction: The prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) is increasing in urban as well as rural areas in India especially during the last decade due to adoption of smoking habits. Tobacco smoking is currently ranked fourth world-wide in contributing to mortality. The increased risk of atherothrombotic vascular events seen in smokers could be due to increased serum homocysteine and abnormal lipid profiles. Aim: To study serum homocysteine and lipid profile in smokers and non-smokers with coronary heart disease below 40 years age. Materials and Method: A total of 90 men all having CHD and below 40 years were included in the study. They were divided into two groups of 45 each. All patients with history of cigarette smoking were included in test group and the non-smokers were included in control group. Serum of test and control groups was estimated for homocysteine and lipid profile in addition to other routine investigations. Results: Age 36-40 years was the most common age with history of CHD. The body mass index was almost same for both the groups. The mean values of serum homocysteine in smokers with CHD was significantly raised (P<0.001) than the control group of non-smokers. Total cholesterol and LDL in smokers were also significantly elevated (<0.05) when compared with non-smokers. Conclusion: Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for CHD and serum homocysteine levels can act as “Potential Biochemical Markers” for early detection of CHD.