Plasma Homocysteine - A Close Link to Heart Disease
Plasma homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino-acid, the level of which is controlled by genetic and dietary factors including the intake of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. In 1998, it became generally recognised that there was a direct correlation between high homocysteine levels and coronary artery disease mortality.
In normal circumstances, homocysteine is used by the body in the manufacture of proteins. Should there be an excess, the white cells which initiate the clotting mechanism (platelets) are activated and vessel walls start to break down. In common with high blood fats, this phenomenon explains why heart attacks run in families, and why some people develop coronary artery disease when their blood fats are normal.
Plasma homocysteine can now be easily measured, and, if high, can be successfully suppressed by supplementation of the intake of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12.
We recommend that this simple blood test is incorporated within routine medical check-ups. If there is a family history of heart disease, then the test should be undertaken sooner rather than later.