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Homocysteine: a new cardiac risk factor?

A U Chai1, J Abrams

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, USA.

Clinical Cardiology
|February 24, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Supplementing with folate may help reduce homocysteine levels in high-risk patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Elevated plasma homocysteine is a newly identified risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia may contribute to vascular damage through various mechanisms.
  • Understanding homocysteine metabolism is crucial for cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of homocysteine in coronary artery disease.
  • To examine secondary causes of elevated homocysteine.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of B vitamin supplementation for hyperhomocysteinemia.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on homocysteine metabolism and CAD.
  • Analysis of clinical evidence linking hyperhomocysteinemia to cardiovascular risk.
  • Review of data on B vitamin supplementation effects on homocysteine levels.

Main Results:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is implicated as a significant risk factor for CAD.
  • B vitamin supplementation, particularly folate, can lower homocysteine concentrations.
  • Current evidence suggests a potential benefit of folate supplementation in high-risk individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Folate supplementation (400 mcg) is recommended for patients with established CAD or high cardiovascular risk.
  • This approach is considered safe and effective in the absence of definitive clinical trial data.
  • Further prospective trials are needed to confirm the long-term benefits.

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