Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. Studies have shown that too much homocysteine in the blood is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Other evidence suggests that homocysteine may have an effect on atherosclerosis by damaging the inner lining of arteries and promoting blood clots.

Plasma homocysteine levels are strongly influenced by diet, as well as by genetic factors. Homocysteine also increases with aging, smoking and too much coffee! The dietary components with the greatest effects are folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. They help break down homocysteine in the body. Without sufficient B-vitamins, blood homocysteine levels rise. High homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular, neurological and psychiatric diseases, including stroke and dementia.

Recent findings suggest that laboratory testing for plasma homocysteine levels can improve the assessment of cardiac risk. It may be particularly useful in patients with a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease and in patients with well-established risk factors like smoking, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure.

To determine if you are at high risk of a heart attack or stroke; also used to determine if you are deficient in folic acid or vitamin B12-deficient as blood homocysteine concentration can be raised in both conditions

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