Homocysteine and Heart Diseases

  Homocysteine is an amino acid that's normally produced in the body in small amounts from the amino acid methionine. Homocysteine's role in the body is to control growth, and support bone and tissue formation.
Scientists have known that people with high concentrations of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood are at a much higher risk for stroke and heart disease. When homocysteine levels rise, they begin to damage arteries and stimulate growth of arteriosclerotic plaques which leads to heart disease.

High levels of homocysteine can be caused by

• Vitamin deficiencies

• Normal aging

• Thyroid problems

• Kidney disease

• Genetic disorders like Homocystinuria.

Study shows folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 can decrease homocysteine concentrations in the blood - reducing the risk of heart disease.

Anyone who has a high risk for heart disease either from family history or poor nutritional background, or who has early signs of heart disease probably should take vitamin supplements to control their homocysteine level and stop the arteriosclerotic process.

Severe deficiency of Folic Acid, vitamin B6 and B12 in the elderly may result in elevated serum homocysteine levels. Its a new risk factor for the Cardiac disease. Deficiency of each one of these vitamins may lead to accumulation of homocysteine which is known to have toxic effect on the vascular tissue.

A study found high levels of homocysteine in second generation indian immigrants as compared to Europeans. 

Folic acid rich foods are - Pulses, dried beans, green leafy vegetables.

B12 is abundantly found in milk and animal food.

B6 is found in whole grain cereals, meat, liver and vegetables.