Homocysteine--a routine biochemical parameter in cardiovascular diseases?
Gábor, D.; Hrnciar, J.; Hricová, I.; Zacharová, M.
Vnitrni Lekarstvi 45(1): 40-45
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-773X PMID: 10422525 Document Number: 508057
An elevated level of total homocysteine (tHcy) in blood-hyperhomocysteinemia, is prevalent and strong risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease in the coronary, cerebral and peripheral vessels and for thromboembolism (arterial and venous). Elevated total homocysteine confers a graded risk with no threshold, is independent of but may enhance the effect of conventional risk factors. Hyperhomocysteinemia seems to be a particularly strong predictor of cardiovaskular mortality. Supplementation with B-vitamins, in particular with folic acid, is an efficient, safe and inexpensive means to reduce an elevated total homocysteine level.