Elevated plasma homocysteine levels are associated with impaired peripheral microvascular vasomotor response

摘要

BackgroundHyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been proposed as an important cardiovascular risk factor (cRF). However, little is known about the association between plasma homocysteine levels and peripheral microvascular endothelial dysfunction (PMED), which is an integrated index of vascular health.MethodsThis cross-sectional and retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent non-invasive PMED assessment using reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT). The association between HHcy and PMED, and its impact on MACE (all-cause mortality and atherosclerotic cardiovascular events) was investigated.ResultsA total of 257 patients were enrolled (HHcy?>?10.0?μmol/L, N?=?51; lower levels of homocysteine [LHcy]?≤?10?μmol/L, N?=?206). Patients with HHcy were older, predominantly males, and with more comorbidities than patients with LHcy (p?