To investigate the levels and distribution of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) in urban and rural populations in Pinghu of Zhejiang Province and their related factors.

From January 2014 to March 2015, useing stratified random sampling and questionnaire survey, 623 subjects were select from 9 towns (streets) in Pinghu of Zhejiang Province. The survey included general conditions (including gender, age, BMI, past medical history, etc.), eating habits (including high-salt, high-fat, spicy diet, etc.) and laboratory tests (including Hcy and total cholesterol, LDL-C, creatinine, etc.).

The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 31.78% (198/623), and the prevalence of males (19.26%, 120/623) was significantly higher than that of females (12.52%, 78/623). The Hcy level of 623 subjects was 4.46~28.77 (18.29±3.64) μmol/L, and the Hcy level of male was significantly higher than that of female (t=3.98, P<0.05). The difference of Hcy levels in different age groups (40 years old, 40~59 years old, 60~79 years old, 80 years old and above) was statistically significant (F=4.07, P<0.05), and Hcy level was positively correlated with age (r=0.996, P<0.05). The Hcy level of males in different age groups was higher than that of females (P<0.05). Serum Hcy levels were associated with age, gender, BMI and total cholesterol, LDL-C, serum creatinine levels, smoking, high salt or high fat diet (P<0.05 or 0.01).

The incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia is higher in Pinghu, and there are differences on gender and age. Negative lifestyle habits such as smoking, high salt and high fat diet are risk factors.