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Hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in patients undergoing hemodialysis

J A Friedman1, J T Dwyer

  • 1New England Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.

Nutrition Reviews
|July 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

High homocysteine levels are common in kidney disease patients and may increase cardiovascular risk. Folic acid can lower, but not eliminate, these levels, with ongoing research into its impact on heart health.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is prevalent in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and dialysis patients.
  • Elevated homocysteine is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of hyperhomocysteinemia in cardiovascular risk among renal disease patients.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of folic acid supplementation in managing hyperhomocysteinemia in dialysis patients.

Main Methods:

  • Observational analysis of homocysteine levels in ESRD and dialysis patients.
  • Assessment of folic acid's impact on homocysteine concentrations.

Main Results:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is confirmed in patients with end-stage renal disease and those on dialysis.
  • Folic acid supplementation demonstrates a capacity to reduce, though not fully normalize, homocysteine levels.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is a significant finding in renal disease patients, potentially contributing to CVD.
  • Folic acid offers partial correction of hyperhomocysteinemia, but further evidence is needed to confirm its cardiovascular benefits.

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