Background: Hyperuricemia is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Hypoalbuminemia is a prognostic marker of many cardiovascular diseases, including CAD.
Objectives: This study investigates the value of the uric acid-to-serum albumin ratio (UAR) as a non-invasive predictor of significant CAD.
Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 non-diabetic, normotensive patients tested for CAD by coronary angiography. Serum uric acid and albumin were measured, and UAR was calculated. On coronary angiography, coronary stenosis > 50% in at least one of the major coronary arteries was considered significant.
Results: Significant coronary stenosis was found in 57 patients. Significant stenosis was more frequent among males and smokers. Albumin was significantly lower in patients with significant stenosis, while uric acid, UAR, LDL, and triglycerides were significantly higher in patients with significant stenosis (p < 0.001, for all). Hypoalbuminemia was significantly associated with coronary stenosis (p = 0.002), while hyperuricemia was not (p=0.181). The sensitivity and specificity of hypoalbuminemia to predict coronary stenosis was 77.2% and 72.1%. UAR ≥ 1.56 predicts coronary stenosis with sensitivity and specificity of 71.9% and 74.4%. Albumin, uric acid, and UAR do not expect the severity of coronary affection.
Conclusion: Hypoalbuminemia is a valuable marker for the likelihood of severe coronary stenosis. Hyperuricemia is not associated with coronary stenosis, and the uric acid-to-albumin ratio does not improve the predictive value of hypoalbuminemia in diagnosing significant coronary stenosis.