Blood levels of nitric oxide and affection of coronary vessels in women under 55 years of age with ischemic heart disease

Abstract

Aim. To estimate content of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites in women under 55 years with reference to affection of coronary vessels as shown by coronaroangiography (CAG). Material and methods. A case-control study included 32 women under 55 years of age with verified coronary heart disease (CHD) and matched controls. The blood of the examinees was tested for NO metabolites - nitrites and nitrates - according to N. E. Emchenko technique. Results. Subnormal levels of nitrites and nitrates were found both in angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, in unaffected coronary vessels as well. In atherosclerotic coronary vessels NO metabolites' concentrations were the lowest. A significant negative correlation was found between the magnitude of nitrates reduction and the number of atherosclerosis-affected coronary vessels. Conclusion. Women under 55 years of age suffering from IHD (any type of coronary affection) had significantly lowered blood levels of NO metabolites compared to healthy women.

Keywords

• ischemic heart disease
• women
• nitric oxide