MAIN Health Diseases Heart Disease Homocysteine

Homocysteine (ho-mo-sist-een) is an essential amino acid that has gotten much coverage in the press lately as a culprit in the development of blood clots, stroke and heart disease.

Studies have indicated that homocysteine damages the arteries and then oxidizes cholesterol before it infiltrates the vessel.

Hyperhomocysteine - or high levels of homocysteine in the blood - is not a new discovery although most of the medical community has until recently ignored homocysteine as a cardiovascular risk.

How do I know if I have elevated homocysteine levels?

Homocysteine is measured using a simple blood test.

Dangers of high homocysteine in the bloodstream

As evidence mounts that a heart attack or stroke is more likely to occur in the presence of high homocysteine levels, a number of scientists have even named it as the single biochemical risk factor for blood coagulation — leading to danger of clot formation, heart disease and stroke.

While focus remains on cardiovascular disease, it should also be noted that people suffering with Alzheimer's disease, depression, eye conditions, liver damage, Crohn's disease, colitis and Parkinson's disease often have elevated homocysteine levels found in their bloodstream.

Vitamin B & Folic Acid Therapy for Higher Levels of Homocysteine

Just as research points to many cancer patients suffering from low levels of vitamin D , higher homocysteine levels have been linked to lower levels of vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid in patients who suffer from heart disease.

Studies have not shown benefits to existing damage caused by heart disease, but there is evidence that B vitamins and folic acid are beneficial to reducing risk in patients prone to stroke. Therefore, a vitamin B & folic acid regimen may be a good preventative for those with a family history or genetic risk for cardiovascular and other diseases.

More about homocysteine around the Web:

Homocysteine - Family Doctor.org - Basic information on causes and dangers, with a guide to lowering homocysteine levels through diet and supplements.

Heart Disease: Homocysteine: A New Heart Disease Risk Factor - WebMD

Quack Watch - Homocysteine: A Cardiovascular Risk Factor Worth Considering

also see related feature -> Heart Disease & Women

also see -> B-Complex Vitamins | Gas or chest pain?

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This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.