[Homocystein and cardiovascular risk: is dosage useful?]

Ch Mathez1, L Trueb, R Darioli

  • 1Service de Médecine B, CHUV, Lausanne.

Praxis
|January 14, 2005
PubMed

Insights

High homocysteine levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Screening for elevated homocysteine is crucial, even without traditional risk factors, in patients with early atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for atherothrombotic disease.
  • The mechanisms driving atherosclerosis progression in hyperhomocysteinemia are complex.
  • Premature atherosclerosis necessitates investigation into underlying causes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significance of screening for elevated homocysteine.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with premature atherosclerosis.
  • To present a clinical case illustrating this diagnostic challenge.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical case report.
  • Review of relevant literature on hyperhomocysteinemia and atherosclerosis.
  • Diagnostic evaluation of a patient with premature atherosclerosis.

Main Results:

  • The presented case involves a patient with premature atherosclerosis.
  • Elevated homocysteine levels were identified as a potential contributing factor.
  • The absence of conventional risk factors underscored the need for broader screening.

Conclusions:

  • Screening for elevated homocysteine is vital in patients presenting with premature atherosclerosis.
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia should be considered even when traditional risk factors are absent.
  • Early detection and management of hyperhomocysteinemia can impact cardiovascular outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu01:29

Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu

Genetic variations significantly influence drug response through pharmacokinetics, receptor interactions, and biologic milieu modifications. Pharmacokinetic alterations impact drug metabolism and clearance, affecting efficacy and toxicity. Variants in drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, alter drug activation and elimination. For example, CYP2C9 loss-of-function variants require lower warfarin doses to prevent excessive bleeding, while CYP2C19 variants reduce clopidogrel...
10
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment01:08

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment

Hepatic impairment, characterized by decreased liver function, does not uniformly mandate adjustments in drug dosage. Whether dosage modifications are necessary depends on various factors related to the drug's metabolism and elimination pathways. If a drug is primarily excreted via the kidneys and bypasses significant hepatic processing, if it undergoes minimal metabolic transformation in the liver, or if it is volatile and primarily expelled through the lungs, dose adjustments may not be...
284
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
460
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...
619
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements01:18

Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements

Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ...
2.2K
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
653