An observational study on the prevalence of vitamin B12, folate deficiency and homocysteine elevation in ASCVD or venous thrombosis

Abstract

Vitamin B12 and folate are essential components for the metabolism of homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine has been associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin B12, folate deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia in patients presenting with any atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or venous thrombosis. Sixty-five patients who presented with any ASCVD or venous thrombosis were included in the study. Detailed history including BMI and diet history were taken. Blood samples were collected and sent for vitamin B12, folic acid and homocysteine analysis. Hematological parameters including Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC were studied. Homocysteine was elevated in 70.77% of patients. Vitamin B12 was deficient in 47.69% of patients. Folate deficiency was much higher 61.54%. A 43% of the patients who had vitamin B12 deficiency and homocysteine elevation. A 53.85% of the patients with folate deficiency had homocysteine elevation. There was moderate negative correlation between vitamin B12 and homocysteine and a weak negative correlation between folate and homocysteine.