MidLife
News on Homocysteine
Homocysteine is an amino acid that naturally occurs in the body. Higher than normal levels of homocysteine have been found in patients with heart disease.
To understand whether or not elevated levels of homocysteine increase the risk of heart and vascular disease, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) studied the scientific evidence. In their review, a panel of experts agreed - elevated levels of homocysteine appear to increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease (blockage of the arteries to the arms and legs).
Higher levels of homocysteine may be related to vitamin deficiencies with folic acid, B6 and B12. Some studies indicate that those with elevated homocysteine levels are more likely to have other risk factors for heart disease, like smoking, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol.
What is not known is whether the reverse is true, does lowering the level of homocysteine protect against heart disease? So far, no clinical trial has shown that lowering the level of homocysteine slows the progression of heart disease or prevents stroke or heart attack. More research continues in this area.
