High levels of homocysteine in the blood are believed to increase the chance of heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and osteoporosis.
High homocysteine levels may be treated with vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid.
It is increased in the blood of coffee drinkers.
Homocysteine
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
Homocysteine is an amino acid intermediate that can cause arterial damage. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood have been associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including the development of atherosclerosis or the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. High homocysteine levels can damage the lining of blood vessels, promote blood clot formation, and contribute to inflammation, ultimately leading to arterial damage.
Frequently the cause is heart disease.
Homocysteine is an amino acid which is released as the body digests protein. High levels of this acid can cause health problems such as strokes and blood clots.
Homocysteine is thought to irritate the lining of the blood vessels causing them to become scarred, hardened, and narrowed. This increases the work the heart must do, leading to heart disease.
laboratory testing for plasma homocysteine levels can improve the assessment of risk, particularly in patients with a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease
Elevated homocysteine levels are a prognostic indicator of arteriosclerosis and poor cardiovascular health. Diets rich in B vitamins, such as folic acid, B6 and B12, tend to reduce serum homocysteine levels, It is not clear whether lowering homocysteine levels in the cardiac patient will lead to improved outcomes, with respect to morbidity and mortality (especially as cardiovascular diseases tend to be multifactorial, often including a significant genetic component).
Homocysteine