Short communication
Patients undergoing coronary angiography because of chest pain with hepatitis C virus seropositivity have a higher prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease than a control group

Introduction: The aim of the study was the relationship between hepatitis c virus and coronary disease needed investigation.

Material and methods: The patients included 31 men and 5 women, mean age 53±9 years, seropositive for hepatitis C virus and 31 men and 5 women, mean age 53±9 years, seronegative for hepatitis C virus undergoing coronary angiography because of chest pain.

Results: Coronary risk factors were not significantly different between
the 2 groups. Obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) (>50% obstruction of at least 1 major coronary artery) was present in 32 of 36 patients (89%) seropositive for hepatitis C virus and in 21 of 36 patients (58%) seronegative for hepatitis C virus (P<0.005). 3-vessel obstructive CAD was present in 9 of 36 patients (25%) seropositive for hepatitis C virus and in 2 of 36 patients (6%) seronegative for hepatitis C virus (P<0.025). 2-vessel or 3-vessel obstructive CAD was present in 21 of 36 patients (58%) seropositive for hepatitis C virus and in 9 of 36 patients (25%) seronegative for hepatitis C virus (P<0.005).

Conclusions: In conclusion, patients undergoing coronary angiography for chest pain have a significantly higher prevalence of obstructive CAD, of obstructive 3-vessel CAD, and of obstructive 2-vessel or 3-vessel CAD if they are seropositive for hepatitis C virus than if they are seronegative for hepatitis C virus.