Homocysteine and metabolic risk factors in individuals with family history of premature ischemic stroke

INTRODUCTION Family history of stroke is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate selected metabolic risk factors and an association between the interaction of family history of premature ischemic stroke (PIS) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels with other risk factors in individuals with family history of PIS. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study involved 344 healthy individuals, including 143 with family history of PIS and 201 without family history of PIS (control group). RESULTS In the group with family history of PIS, a significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), ApoB/apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), and glucose values were observed in women, while in men, significantly higher mean values of BMI, SBP and DBP, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, ApoB/ApoA-I, and lower ApoA-I. There was a significant interaction of family history of PIS x Hcy for TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), HDL-C, and triglycerides (TG) in women, and for TC/HDL-C, TC, and TG in men. Higher Hcy levels were associated with significantly higher values of TC/HDL-C and TG both in men and women, and with lower HDL-C levels in women and higher TC and LDL-C levels in men. CONCLUSIONS Men and women with family history of PIS are characterized by an unfavorable shift in the risk factor profile. This effect is additionally enhanced by higher Hcy levels, which might be an indication for primary prevention in these individuals.