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[Homocysteine--a routine biochemical parameter in cardiovascular diseases?].
Vnitrni Lekarstvi
|July 28, 1999
Summary
High blood homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia) is a major risk factor for vascular disease and blood clots. Supplementing with B-vitamins, especially folic acid, safely and affordably lowers homocysteine levels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Metabolic Disorders
- Vascular Biology
Context:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia, an elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) level in the blood, is a widespread condition.
- It represents a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease affecting coronary, cerebral, and peripheral arteries.
- This condition also increases the risk of both arterial and venous thromboembolism.
Purpose:
- To highlight the prevalence and risks associated with hyperhomocysteinemia.
- To emphasize the independent and potentially synergistic effect of elevated tHcy with conventional cardiovascular risk factors.
- To present B-vitamin supplementation, particularly folic acid, as an effective intervention.
Summary:
- Elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) is a prevalent risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease and thromboembolism.
- The risk associated with hyperhomocysteinemia is graded, lacks a threshold, and may potentiate other cardiovascular risk factors.
- Hyperhomocysteinemia is identified as a strong predictor of cardiovascular mortality.
Impact:
- B-vitamin supplementation, specifically folic acid, offers an efficient, safe, and cost-effective strategy to reduce elevated tHcy levels.
- This intervention has the potential to mitigate cardiovascular risk associated with hyperhomocysteinemia.
- Reducing tHcy through supplementation may lead to decreased cardiovascular mortality.