The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) increases every year; however, the impact of microelements on its underlying cause-atherosclerosis-is still unclear. Copper plays numerous regulatory roles in cardiovascular health and was suggested to influence the classic risk factors for CAD. The copper-to-zinc-ratio (Cu/Zn-ratio) reflects systemic oxidative stress-one of the factors in the complex pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Hair incorporates metal ions during its growth; thus, it reflects the metal exposure that occurred over the last 4-8 weeks. The aim of the presented study was to verify the association between Cu and Cu/Zn-ratio content and the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the hair of 133 patients who underwent coronary angiography due to suspected ACS. Additionally, association between Cu and Cu/Zn-ratio and selected risk factors for CAD was analyzed. Neither Cu nor Cu/Zn-ratio levels were associated with the occurrence of ACS, regardless of its type (UA/NSTEMI/STEMI). We did not find a significant association between Cu content in hair and risk factors for CAD. The Cu/Zn-ratio in hair was significantly correlated only with body mass index. The relationship of Cu content and Cu/Zn-ratio in hair with CAD, its risk factors and ACS appears to be complex and requires further well-designed research.
Keywords: acute coronary syndrome (ACS); copper (Cu); copper-to-zinc-ratio (Cu/Zn-ratio); coronary artery disease (CAD).