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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
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What is homocysteine?
Homocysteine is an amino acid produced during the metabolism of methionine. High levels of homocysteine in the blood are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other health complications. Factors such as diet, genetics, and certain medical conditions can influence homocysteine levels.
Of what benefit to health is testing for plasma homocysteine levels?
laboratory testing for plasma homocysteine levels can improve the assessment of risk, particularly in patients with a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease
What is homocysteine blood test?
A homocysteine blood test measures the level of homocysteine in your blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid that plays a role in heart health, and high levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The test can help assess your risk for heart disease and may be recommended for certain individuals with a family history of heart problems.
What is the amino acid homocysteine used for in the body?
Homocysteine is an intermediate in the metabolism of methionine, an essential amino acid. It can be converted back to methionine or further metabolized into cysteine or excreted from the body. Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
What are the implications of homocysteine on human health?
High levels of homocysteine in the blood are believed to increase the chance of heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and osteoporosis.
Can coronary artery disease be treated with folic acid?
Treatment with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 lowers homocysteine levels (reducing the risk for cardiovascular problems), but more studies are needed
Can coronary artery disease be treated with vitamin B12?
Treatment with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 lowers homocysteine levels (reducing the risk for cardiovascular problems), but more studies are needed
Can coronary artery disease be treated with vitamin B6?
Treatment with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 lowers homocysteine levels (reducing the risk for cardiovascular problems), but more studies are needed
What raises homocysteine levels?
Frequently the cause is heart disease.
What do elevated homocysteine levels mean for a cardiac patient?
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).
How adequate intakes B6Folate B12 help reduce risk of heart disease?
Adequate intakes of vitamins B6, folate, and B12 play a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart disease by helping to regulate homocysteine levels in the blood. Elevated homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. These B vitamins facilitate the conversion of homocysteine into other beneficial substances, thereby potentially lowering inflammation and promoting healthy blood vessel function. Additionally, they support overall metabolic processes that contribute to heart health.
What is the treatment of hemosystine?
High homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Hyperhomocysteinemia can be caused by several mechanisms: (1) genetic defects in the enzymes involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, (2) nutritional deficiencies in vitamin cofactors, or (3) some chronic medical conditions and drugs. Smoking may increase homocysteine levels in the blood.In the absence of known cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, it is controversial whether or not to treat patients with elevated homocysteine levels. There is no clear evidence for treating patients who do not have severe hyperhomocysteinemia in the absence of cardiovascular or thrombotic disease.[1] There are conflicting data on the efficacy of supplementation aimed at lowering homocysteine levels to prevent vascular events and death in patients with established vascular disease.[2-4] For patients who are treated, the treatment should target the underlying cause, if known.In general, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products as well as low in saturated and total fat can help to decrease serum homocysteine. For patients with known cardiovascular disease, it is generally recommended to treat with folic acid (1 mg/day), vitamin B6 (10 mg/day), and vitamin B12 (0.4 mg/day). Folic acid can be increased up to 5 mg/day to reach a goal of lowering homocysteine levels below 15 mmol/L. In patients refractory to 5 mg/day of folic acid, 750 mg twice daily of trimethylglycine have been used, but there are only limited data demonstrating efficacy.[1] It is known that trimethylglycine enhances the methylation metabolism of homocysteine.Although treating hyperhomocysteinemia can be very important, it should go without question that the more significant cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and tobacco use, must also be addressed.
