RESUMO
To determine the frequency of hyperuricemia, as a risk factor, in patients with ischemic heart disease in our setup. This prospective and observational study was carried out in the Departments of cardiology, medical unit III and pathology, Peoples Medical College and Hospital, Nawabshah from 15[th] January 2007 to 15[th] July 2007. Fifty patients, of any age and of either sex, diagnosed on ECG as ischemic heart disease [IHD] were selected and compared with serum uric acid [SUA] levels and age, sex, approximately body mass index [BMI] matched healthy controls. SUA was measured on 3[rd] day of admission by using enzyme uricase method on CLINIKON photometer 5010. Hyperuricemia was found in 27 out of 50 IHD patients and in 5 out of 50 controls; therefore a highly significant association was observed. Mean SUA level was 7.21 +/- 2.14 in patients with ischemic heart disease and 5.38 +/- 1.26 was found in healthy control subject. The difference between these two means was highly significant [P<0.0001]. Hyperuncemia significantly associates with IHD. It does not cause t IHD, neither is an independent risk factor but it only accelerates the process of atherosclerosis which can worsen the preexisting IHD