Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 4, 2026

Osmotic Drug Delivery to Ischemic Hindlimbs and Perfusion of Vasculature with Microfil for Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging
10:50

Osmotic Drug Delivery to Ischemic Hindlimbs and Perfusion of Vasculature with Microfil for Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging

Published on: June 29, 2013

Hyperhomocysteinaemia in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease

S de Jong1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. sc.dejong@azvu.nl

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
|October 11, 2001
PubMed

Insights

High homocysteine levels are linked to atherosclerosis and premature vascular disease. Treatment with vitamins may help, but more research is needed to confirm its protective effects in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Vascular Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death globally.
  • Elevated total homocysteine levels are increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis and premature vascular disease.
  • Hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHC) affects a substantial percentage (25-32%) of patients with premature peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between high total homocysteine concentrations and the progression of atherosclerosis.
  • To evaluate the role of HHC in the development and severity of premature peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD).
  • To explore the potential benefits of treating HHC with vitamin B6 and folic acid in patients with PAD.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of retrospective and prospective studies on patients with PAD.
  • Evaluation of clinical course and disease progression in relation to homocysteine levels.
  • Assessment of associations between HHC, atherosclerosis severity, and mortality rates.

Main Results:

  • Significant associations found between high total homocysteine concentrations and increased atherosclerosis severity.
  • High homocysteine levels correlated with more rapid disease progression and higher mortality rates in PAD patients.
  • HHC is a prevalent condition in patients experiencing premature PAD.

Conclusions:

  • High homocysteine levels are a relevant risk factor for atherosclerosis and premature PAD.
  • While vitamin B6 and folic acid show potential for treating HHC, further prospective randomized clinical trials are essential.
  • Urgent research is needed to definitively establish the role of HHC and its treatment in managing premature PAD.

More Related Videos

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research08:42

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research

Published on: October 22, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management01:26

Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management

The nursing management of a patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s health history and clinical manifestations.AssessmentHealth History: Evaluate the patient’s history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of cardiovascular issues, and lifestyle factors such as dietary patterns, smoking, and physical activity.Physical Examination:Assess the affected extremity for decreased or absent peripheral pulses, temperature changes,...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management01:23

Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management

During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...