Homocysteine – another major cause of heart disease

Previously, only elevated levels of cholesterol were the major risk factor for a heart disease, but the latest research has come up with another cause of cardiac disease. Recent studies suggest that it not necessary to have high cholesterol for a person to suffer from heart attack. Over the past few years, homocysteine is grabbing all the limelight as a cause of heart disease. Find the nearby diagnostic centers in Bangalore with Cureplus. 

What is homocysteine?

Homocysteine is an amino acid produced by the body by chemically changing adenosine. This amino acid is usually harmless if our body is metabolizing it properly. But, if it isn’t, then amino acid would accumulate in higher quantities in the blood, which leads to higher risk of cardiovascular disease including strokes and heart attacks.  

Higher levels of homocysteine in the blood are also associated with blood clots and atherosclerosis.

Who is at higher risk of homocysteine?

Usually, men with the highest levels of homocysteine are three times more prone of precipitating a cardiac attack.

Causes of homocysteine

Kids born with a genetic disorder called homocystinuria can result in higher levels of homocysteine in the bloodstream. This problem also appears to be related to our diet. Homocysteine levels in our body tend to accumulate to a lack of concentration of the three B-vitamins – vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Our body needs a sufficient supply of these three vitamins for proper metabolizing of amino acids.

With age our body loses the ability to absorb enough quantities of B-vitamins and hence, homocysteine levels rise up.

On the other hand, high cholesterol, smoking, and lack of exercise play a major role in elevating homocysteine levels.