Prevalence and clinical correlates of hyperhomocysteinemia in Chinese urban population with hypertension

TL;DR

This study found that nearly one-third of hypertensive individuals in a Chinese urban population had high homocysteine levels, which are linked to lifestyle and genetic factors.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence and risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia in a hypertensive Chinese population.

Findings

The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia among hypertensive individuals was 31.3%.

Male gender and the MTHFR TT genotype were significant risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia.

Lower folic acid levels and poor dietary habits were associated with higher homocysteine levels.

Abstract

The coexistence of hypertension and elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels has a mutually reinforcing impact on the susceptibility to cardio-cerebrovascular disease.

The aim was to assess the prevalence, clinical correlation, and demographic characteristics of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) within the Chinese urban population with hypertension.

A cohort of 473 individuals with hypertension were selected from four communities in Shenzhen, China. Demographic attributes, clinical profiles, and lifestyle behaviors were gathered and compared between individuals with and without HHcy. A logistic regression model was employed to examine potential factors associated with the prevalence of HHcy. Correlation between Hcy levels and clinical characteristics was assessed through multiple linear regression analysis.

The prevalence of HHcy in the population with hypertension was 31.3%. In comparison to individuals without HHcy, those with HHcy exhibited a higher proportion of males, a higher prevalence of smoking and alcohol consumption, and a higher proportion of cases with the homozygous (TT) genotype at the MTHFR C677T polymorphism. Moreover, individuals with HHcy had lower levels of folic acid (FA), and lower fruit and vitamin B12 intake. Furthermore, the risk factors for HHcy were male (B = 1.430, OR = 4.179) and MTHFR (TT) (B = 1.086, OR = 2.961). In addition, the multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between Hcy levels and gender (B = -2.784, P = 0.004), MTHFR genotypes (B = 1.410, P = 0.005), and FA levels (B = -0.136, P = 0.030).

The high prevalence of HHcy among hypertensive patients in this Chinese urban population underscores the necessity for interventions targeting modifiable risk factors such as dietary choices and lifestyle practices.

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