Homocysteine levels in healthy New Zealanders and those with vascular disease

Aims. Levels of plasma homocysteine (tHcy) have been shown to vary between populations. The aim of the present study was to determine tHcy levels in a New Zealand population to facilitate interpretation of international refer ence ranges. Methods. Fasting tHcy levels were determined in 431 volunteer men and women , aged between 17 and 83 years, from the greater Otago region. Subjects wit h self-reported incidences of vascular disease (n=138) were compared with h ealthy control subjects (n=293). Results. Mean (SD) fasting tHcy level of the entire population was 8.3(3.5) mu mol/L and men had significantly higher levels than women (9.0(3.4) and 7.8(3.5) mu mol/L, respectively, p<0.05). Levels increased significantly wi th increasing age (0.5 mu mol/L for every ten years). There was a small but non-significant difference in tHcy levels between subjects with and withou t vascular disease (difference after excluding two outliers and adjusting f or age and gender; 0.63, 95% CI, -0.03,1.29). tHcy levels were not signific antly correlated with lipid or lipoprotein levels. Conclusion. Levels of tHcy in a group of volunteers from the greater Otago region were similar to those reported in other populations at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Reference ranges derived from these populations wou ld appear to be applicable for New Zealanders. tHcy measurements should be made when assessing individuals at high risk of vascular disease and interv ention strategies considered.