How to Cite
Abstract
Background: To assess the association between folic acid deficiency and ischemic heart disease
Methods: In this observational study patients of 25-65 years of age with newly diagnosed ischemic heart disease were included. All the patients on folic acid or vitamin B12 therapy, pregnant females, patients with any type of malignancy or patients with the history of megaloblastic anemia were excluded from the study. A 3-5ml serum sample for the estimation of folic acid levels was obtained. Tests were performed using chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA). Odds ratio was determined to measure the association between folic acid deficiency and ischemic heart disease.
Results: Folic acid level was assessed both in cases and controls, with a mean folic acid level of 4.19±2.11ng/mL among patients and in controls mean folic acid level was 5.05±1.67ng/mL (p-value=0.015). The folic acid deficiency was found in 41.7% in cases. Odds ratio was 2.347 (95% CI; 1.067, 5.162, p<0.05).
Conclusion: Folic acid deficiency was found high significantly in patients with ischemic heart disease as compared to that of controls and risk of ischemic heart disease is higher in patients with folic acid deficiency.