Analysis of the risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia in Beijing elderly population

Abstract

Objective To investigate the risk factors for Hyperhomocysteinemia(HHcy)in Beijing elderly population. Methods This research investigated 1 460 individuals beyond 60 years old(638 male, 822 female)from Beijing.The basic information from samples was collected by using questionnaires and physical examination.The level of plasma Homocysteine(Hcy)was measured and analyzed for the risk factors of HHcy.HHcy was defined as greater than 15 μmol/L, which is the upper 95th percentile. Results 74.4% of the sample in Beijing elderly people had HHcy syndrome.The proportion of HHcy was significantly higher in men(86.2%)than in women(63.8%)(χ2=74.333, P 0.05). Serum Hcy level rose along with ageing in people beyond age of 65.The incidence of HHcy was increased in the elderly people with no spouse, low educational level, smoking, drinking, eating animal oil and less consumption of white meat(chicken, duck, fish and shrimp), eggs, milk, fruits and vegetables, and suffering from urinary system diseases, tumor diseases(all P<0.01). The incidence of HHcy was higher in manual workers than in the knowledge workers(P<0.05). Conclusions Multivariate analysis shows that risk factors for HHcy are male, elderly, no spouse, low educational level and regular use animal oil in cooking. Key words: Hyperhomocysteinemia; Risk factors