Homocysteine is an amino acid, or building block of protein produced by the body. Excessive amounts of this substance have been associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular problems, such as stroke, coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. Although a direct, causal link has yet to be established, evidence seems to suggest that excess homocysteine damages the inner lining of arteries and promotes the development of plaque, causing atherosclerosis, and blood clots, according to the American Heart Association.
Causes of High Homocysteine Levels
For proper metabolism of homocysteine to take place, your body requires certain vitamins. In most cases, high homocysteine levels are caused by deficiencies of the B complex vitamins folic acid, or folate, vitamin B6 and/or vitamin B12, FamilyDoctor.org reports. Without adequate levels of these vitamins, homocysteine cannot be properly metabolized and begins to build up in your body. Other causes of increased homocysteine levels include psoriasis, low levels of thyroid hormone, kidney disease and psoriasis.
How Homocysteine is Measured
If your doctor suspects a folate or vitamin B12 deficiency, he may recommend a homocysteine test, Lab Tests Online explains. It is also done as a part of cardiac risk assessment, depending on your age and other variables. Your homocysteine level can be ascertained with a simple blood test. No special preparation is needed for the test.
Changes in Medical Opinion
Older studies conducted between 1995 and 1999 drew a link between high homocysteine levels and cardiac disease, Lab Tests Online notes. Newer trials, however, have shown that taking vitamin B supplements does not lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the effectiveness of using homocysteine levels to assess cardiac risk is currently uncertain. Coronary artery blockage, however, a known precursor of heart attack, has been observed to occur much more frequently in people with elevated homocysteine levels.
Official Recommendation
The American Heart Association has noted the strong link between homocysteine and stroke/heart attack survival rates. It does not, however, officially consider high homocysteine levels a major risk factor. Furthermore, there is no recommendation for widespread use of vitamin B supplements, including extra folic acid, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Instead, the Association advises patients to eat a well-balanced diet of low-fat protein and dairy products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Lowering Your Homocysteine Level
The simplest way to lower your homocysteine level is to eat healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Of these, leafy green vegetables are the most effective, since they contain large amounts of folate. Lentils, asparagus, spinach, beans, breakfast cereals, and fortified grain products are all good sources of folate. Bananas, potatoes, chicken and chickpeas are good for boosting your vitamin B6 intake. For vitamin B12, you can eat dairy products, beef, organ meats such as liver and certain types of fish. If you are unable to obtain sufficient amounts of these vitamins from your diet, then your doctor may prescribe a vitamin B complex supplements, including folate.
