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[Homocysteine--a routine biochemical parameter in cardiovascular diseases?]

D Gábor1, J Hrnciar, I Hricová

  • 1Oddelenie klinickej biochémie NsP F. D. Roosevelta, Banská Bystrica.

Vnitrni Lekarstvi
|July 28, 1999
PubMed

Insights

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.

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