RESUMEN
An alteration in sex hormones has been considered a risk factor for myocardial infarction. In this study, estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels were evaluated in healthy firefighters, patients with myocardial infarction acutely and during their convalescence, patients with no evidence of occlusive coronary artery disease on arteriography, and patients with chronic angina pectoris in whom there was at least one vessel that indicated 50% occlusive coronary artery disease. Although T levels were similar in all groups, E2 levels were substantially higher in patients with myocardial infarction and in patients with chronic angina pectoris. These results support the hypothesis that elevated estrogen levels may be a risk factor for myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease, possibly by promoting clotting or coronary spasm.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedad Coronaria/sangre , Hormonas Esteroides Gonadales/sangre , Infarto del Miocardio/sangre , Adulto , Peso Corporal , Estradiol/sangre , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Testosterona/sangreRESUMEN
Total cholesterol level, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level, and the ratio of total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol and triglyceride level were determined in 128 consecutive patients undergoing coronary arteriography for evaluation of chest pain. Greater than 50% occlusive coronary artery disease was more prevalent in patients with either a high total cholesterol level, triglyceride level, or total cholesterol/HDL ratio, or a low HDL cholesterol level. Closer analysis of the extent of occlusive coronary artery disease indicated that the HDL cholesterol level was a better predictor of coronary artery disease than total cholesterol or triglyceride levels. The ratio of total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol, however, had a wider discrimination in identifying patients with both single-vessel or multivessel disease. This ratio should be a useful adjunct in assessing the risk of coronary artery disease.