Several epidemiological studies demonstrated that seriously coronary heart disease (CHD) cases are increased by 70% in smokers. Homocysteine is determined to be a new cardiovascular risk factor. Purpose of present study was to examine the effects of serum lipid profiles on plasma total homocysteine levels.

Total of 84 males (32 smokers 52 non-smokers) were recruited into the study. Plasma total homocysteine and serum lipid components were determined by ELISA and autoanalyser using commercially available kits. Diets and body mass index (BMI) of subjects were similar.

Plasma total homocysteine levels in smokers were found to be statistically significantly higher (up to 50%) compared to non-smokers (p<0.001). On the other hand, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL-cholesterol, ApoB and lipoprotein (a) levels were significantly high in smokers whereas levels of serum HDL-cholesterol, ApoA were significantly lower.

CHD risk factors and protection from these factors are vitally important. Results of several studies clearly show that the best way to protect one from heart diseases is to keep homocysteine level under control. Smoking, which is a preventable risk factor, must be quit, lowered or diets of smokers should contain substances increasing metabolism and eliminating of homocysteine such as vitamins.