Blood antioxidants and indices of lipid peroxidation in subjects with angina pectoris.

We tested the antioxidant hypothesis of coronary heart disease (CHD) by comparing blood antioxidants, indices of lipid peroxidation and classic (CHD) risk factors of 25 subjects with stable angina pectoris with 200 matched controls. Angina subjects had significantly increased plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins and triglycerides although body mass index, plasma cotinine concentration and blood pressure were similar to those of the control group. Plasma concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin C and cholesterol- adjusted vitamin E did not differ between the groups although subjects with angina had significantly decreased plasma uric acid concentrations and elevated indices of lipid peroxidation. Although the results are compatible with the antioxidant hypothesis, it is unclear whether the increased oxidative stress in angina sufferers is a cause or consequence of the disease.