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. 2021 Feb 18;21(1):102.
doi: 10.1186/s12872-021-01913-x.

Hyperhomocysteinemia and its relations to conventional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in adult Nigerians: the REMAH study

Babangida S Chori  1   2 , Benjamin Danladi  2 , Bassey A Inyang  1 , Michael P Okoh  1 , Maxwell M Nwegbu  3 , Adewale L Alli  1 , Augustine N Odili  4
Affiliations

Hyperhomocysteinemia and its relations to conventional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in adult Nigerians: the REMAH study

Babangida S Chori et al. BMC Cardiovasc Disord. .

Abstract

Background: Evidence linking homocysteine (Hcy) with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) or its risk factors are limited in a sub-Saharan black population.

Objective: We set out to evaluate the association between Hcy and hypertension and other CVD risk factors in a population of adult Nigerians.

Methods: Data of 156 adults aged 18-70 years was accessed from the North Central study site of the REmoving the MAsk on Hypertension (REMAH) study. Homocysteine, blood glucose and lipid profile in whole blood/serum were measured using standard laboratory methods. Hypertension was diagnosed if average of 5 consecutive blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained using a mercury sphygmomanometer was equal to or higher than 140 systolic and/or 90 mmHg diastolic or the individual is on antihypertensive medication. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) was defined as Hcy > 10 µmol/L.

Results: Of the 156 participants, 72 (43.5%) were hypertensive, of whom 18 had HHcy. Subjects with HHcy were significantly (p < 0.05) older (41.5 vs. 40.6yrs), had lower HDL-cholesterol (0.6 vs. 0.8 mmol/L) and higher systolic (145.5 vs. 126.0 mmHg) and diastolic BP (92.9 vs. 79.6 mmHg), compared to those without HHcy. Intake of alcohol and a 1 yr increase in age were respectively and significantly (p < 0.05) associated with a 1.54 and 0.10 µmol/L increase in Hcy. In a multivariable model adjusted for age, sex and body mass index, a 1 µmol/L increase in Hcy, was associated with a 1.69 mmHg and 1.34 mmHg increase in systolic and diastolic pressure (p < 0.0001) respectively; and a 0.01 mmol/L decrease in HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: HHcy occurs among hypertensive Nigerians and it is independently associated with age, HDL-cholesterol, systolic and diastolic BP.

Keywords: Blood pressure; Cardiovascular diseases risk factors; High-density lipoprotein; Hyperhomocysteinemia.

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Conflict of interest statement

None of the authors declares a conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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