Toktam Arbabian, Reza Rezaeshirazi, Amin Farzaneh Hesari, Habib Asgharpour,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (7-2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Physical activity has long been considered as the cornerstone of interventions for reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Homocysteine and obesity indices are important indicators of CVD risk. The present research aimed to evaluate homocysteine and obesity variables in female CVD patients and healthy counterparts with different physical activity levels.
Methods: This study was carried out on 85 CVD patients (40-55 yr, n=41, 60-75 yr, n=44) and 80 healthy women (40-50 yr, n=40, 60-75 yr, n=40). Subjects were divided into three groups based on their physical activity level: sedentary, moderately active and active. Serum homocysteine, body roundness index (BRI), a body shape index (ABSI), body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test and one-way ANOVA.
Results: Physically active middle-aged CVD patients had significantly lower BRI (p=0.022) and homocysteine (p=0.008) levels compared with the sedentary counterparts. In addition, physically-active old CVD patients had significantly lower BRI (p=0.041), ABSI (p=0.011) and homocysteine (p=0.001) compared with the sedentary counterparts. Physically-active healthy middle-aged individuals had significantly lower BRI (p=0.013) and BMI (p=0.008) levels compared with sedentary counterparts. Active elderly subjects also had significantly lower BRI (p=0.001) and WC (p=0.008) compared with the sedentary counterparts.
Conclusion: Physical activity can reduce the risk of CVD and improve health status of women by reducing homocysteine, BRI and ABSI.
Saif Karim, Mahdi Zahedi , Zeinab Mohammadi , Nahid Poursharifi , Mehdi Khorami , Mohsen Tatar ,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background: Smoking is recognized as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), yet its influence on blood levels of homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 is not well understood. This study aimed to explore how smoking affects these biochemical markers in patients with CVD.
Methods: The study included 88 participants diagnosed with CVD, who were categorized into smokers (n=44) and non-smokers (n=44). Serum concentrations of homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 were assessed using ELISA. Additionally, blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) and body mass index (BMI) were recorded.
Results: Smokers showed significantly lower levels of folic acid (22.41 ± 5.95 ng/mL) compared to non-smokers (28.05 ± 4.13 ng/mL, p = 0.000). No significant differences were observed in homocysteine (p = 0.958) or vitamin B12 (p = 0.578) levels between the two groups. A negative correlation was found between folic acid and systolic blood pressure in smokers, while no significant associations were noted among folic acid, vitamin B12, and homocysteine.
Conclusion: In patients with CVD, smoking is linked to significantly lower folic acid levels, which may lead to increased systolic blood pressure. These results underscore the need to monitor folic acid levels in smokers who are at risk for cardiovascular issues.
