Homocysteine

We may not be sure about the exact relationship between homocysteine and heart disease risk (Read about "Heart Risks"), but a number of studies seem to indicate that there is a connection. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says high homocysteine levels are found in up to 20 percent of patients with heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) say studies show that too much homocysteine is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. (Read about "Coronary Heart Disease" "Stroke" "Peripheral Arterial Disease") A study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, has also linked high levels of homocysteine to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. (Read about "Alzheimer's Disease")

What it is, what it does

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is normally produced in the human body. (Amino acids are building blocks of proteins) Homocysteine is changed by various B vitamins for use by the body. AAFP says that people with high levels of homocysteine usually don't get enough folic acid, vitamin B6 or vitamin B12 in their diets. (Read about "Vitamins & Minerals")

Other reasons for elevated homocysteine levels, according to AAFP, could be:

• low thyroid hormone levels (Read about "Thyroid")
• genetic issues that lower the body's ability to use homocysteine (Read about "Genetics")
• psoriasis (Read about "Psoriasis")
• kidney disease (Read about "Kidney Disease")
• some medications

But the major reason for elevated levels of homocysteine would appear to be diet. NHLBI says that 30 to 40 percent of the population is only getting about half of the folic acid they should in their diet.

Sources of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12

Most everyone agrees that we should get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid a day. Pregnant women or women who are thinking of getting pregnant should consume 400 mcg per day of synthetic folic acid (from fortified foods and/or supplements) in addition to food forms of folate from a varied diet, to reduce the risk of certain birth defects. (Read about "Healthy Pregnancy" "Birth Defects" "Neural Tube Defects")

Good food sources of folic acid and other B vitamins according to AAFP are:

• fruits
• vegetables, especially green leafy ones like spinach
• fortified grains, found in cereals and breads (Read about "Food Labels")
• lentils
• chickpeas
• most beans

AAFP says that elevated levels of homocysteine are found with a simple blood test. ((Read about "Laboratory Testing") If your doctor finds elevated levels, he or she may suggest dietary changes or a regimen of vitamin supplements. AAFP says that an eight week course of supplements may be used to lower homocysteine levels, if your doctor thinks this is appropriate. In general, AHA does not recommend supplements to reduce the risk of heart disease, but supports dietary efforts to help lower homocysteine levels.

Related Information:

    Thrombophilia

    Hypertension: High Blood Pressure

    Heart Disease and Women

    Women and Blood Pressure

    The Heart & Cardiovascular System

    Exercise and Your Heart

    Congestive Heart Failure

    Cardiomyopathy

    The Heart and Its Valves

    Glossary of Stroke Terms

    Glossary of Heart Terms