INSULIN AND C-PEPTIDE AND PREMATURE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASES

Abstract

The study of coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors represents a cornerstone in the field of CAD prevention. Besides the classical risk factors that are definitely agreed upon, many risk factors are postulated and further studies either confirm or deny their presence. Among these factors are hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. This study was conducted on thirty-five middle aged patients with coronary artery disease and ten age and sex matched control individuals in an attempt to evaluate the significance of hyperinsulinemia as a risk factor for CAD. It was found that insulin levels in CAD patients did not differ significantly from those of the control group (p>0.05). Hyperinsulinemia was not found to be a constant feature in CAD patients as 51.5 % of subjects (group A) were found to have serum insulin levels in the lower range, while 48.5 % were found to have serum insulin levels in the higher range (group B). However, comparison of these two groups revealed that the prominent dyslipidemia in group B patients was the combined presence of non-desirable cholesterol i.e. above 240 mg/dL, and TG levels i.e. above 200 mg/dL (in 47 % of group B). In contrast, the prominent dyslipidemia in group A patients was the isolated presence of non-desirable cholesterol levels (in 61% of group A). It was found also that C-peptide levels did not correlate significantly (r<0.43) to the lipid pronle in CAD patients.