Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid produced in the body, usually as a byproduct of consuming meat. Amino acids are the building blocks of all the proteins in the body. While homocysteine is always present in the body, it can cause problems if it is present in too high of an amount. Found in the blood stream, it is thought to be directly related to a variety of heart-related problems.
If a person has high levels of homocysteine is the body, he or she may suffer from a stroke, coronary heart disease or vascular disease. It is also believed that high levels of this amino acid may contribute to arthrosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. It is important to note that these are just beliefs among medical professionals; they are not exactly sure how homocysteine levels and heart disease are related.
Doctors are sure that managing your homocysteine levels is a good idea. While some people may require medical intervention with prescription drugs, there are several all-natural ways that we can manage these levels on our own. If you are under a doctor's treatment for heart disease, you should not change your routine without speaking with a physician. The rest of us can benefit from the natural treatment for elevated homocysteine levels whether we have a problem or not.
Many physicians believe that elevated levels of this amino acid can be treated by adding B vitamins and folic acid to the diet. They are used to break down the amino acid in the body, reducing the level that is in the blood. These vitamins are widely available in fortified foods as well as dark green, leafy vegetables.
Even if you take excellent care of your body, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, homocysteine levels can get out of control. There is a genetic component to these levels, and some people are more predisposed to high levels than others. If you are one of these people, you will need to work with a doctor to develop a plan for lifelong heart health.
In order to have a healthy heart, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, not smoking and reducing our blood pressure and cholesterol if necessary. We are now learning that keeping our homocysteine levels under control are an important part of overall heart health as well. While a healthy diet can help, some people will need to seek treatment from a physician.
A homocysteine test measures the levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, in a person's blood. High levels of this substance are linked to an elevated risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. It may also promote damage to the arteries and encourage blood clots.
This test may be recommended for patients with a family history of heart disease, as well as those who have suffered from a stroke or deep vein thrombosis, which is a condition caused by blood clots. A homocysteine test is a diagnostic tool that can help a doctor evaluate the patient's risk for medical problems. It can also diagnose vitamin B deficiencies, which can cause fatigue and weakness. A homocysteine test may also be recommended for malnourished patients, alcohol and drug addicts, and the elderly, because these patients may be less able to absorb vitamin B12.
In addition, a homocysteine test may be performed on a baby by testing both the urine and the blood. This is often done to diagnose homocystinuria. This is a rare, inherited disorder in which the patient lacks a specific enzyme necessary for converting food into energy.
To prepare for the homocysteine test, the patient should inform his doctor of any medications or supplements he is taking. He may need to stop taking certain medications for a period of time before the test. The patient should also avoid consuming food and liquids, with the exception of water, for a minimum of eight hours prior to the test.
The doctor or nurse drawing the blood will disinfect an area on the upper arm before performing the homocysteine test. An elastic band will be wrapped around the arm to make the veins easier to locate, which facilitates needle insertion. The needle will then be inserted into the vein and a tube will be attached for collecting the blood. When enough blood has been drawn, the needle will be removed and a bandage will be applied to the area.
The test results will often be available in about 24 hours. If the homocysteine values are higher than normal, patients should bear in mind that this does not always indicate a disease. Men typically have higher values than women, and older patients usually have higher values than those who are young. High homocysteine levels could also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption. If the levels are lower than expected, this could be caused by regular vitamin intake or by certain medications.
A homocysteine test can perform a valuable diagnostic service for patients. The risks of taking this test are minimal. Patients may have a bruise at the injection site. Some people may experience a swollen vein, which can often be alleviated with warm compresses. Those who have a bleeding disorder, as well as patients who take blood-thinning medications, may experience bleeding at the injection site, and should consult with their doctors about any necessary precautions prior to the test.
Homocysteine levels in the body can be affected by many different factors, which can be very important, as increased levels are known to be associated with an increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Certain genetic disorders can cause problems with the breakdown of homocysteine, causing levels to rise. People who do not get enough of some B vitamins may also have elevated levels. Several medical conditions including thyroid and kidney diseases can impact how much of the amino acid one has, as can some types of medication. In women, age is often a factor, primarily because changing hormone levels can cause changes in homocysteine levels.
People with genetic disorders that cause the mediator molecules, which help break down homocysteine, to malfunction or be missing generally have elevated levels. Homocystinuria, a serious condition typically diagnosed in childhood where the mediator molecules are not present, causes myriad issues related to the extremely high homocysteine levels in the blood. A milder condition is hyperhomocysteinemia, where the mediator molecules are there but do not work at optimal levels.
B vitamins also play a major role in a person's homocysteine levels. Folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 are all critical for the breakdown of homocysteine, and lack of them causes levels to rise. Those who do not get enough of these vitamins in their diets may need to take a supplement or eat more foods that contain them to get homocysteine levels back to normal.
Some medical issues may lead to increased homocysteine levels. Decreased thyroid hormone production can cause the problem, as can kidney disease. The skin disorder psoriasis may also be to blame.
Medications can also cause fluctuations in the homocysteine levels in a person's body. Taking estrogen medications may help lower levels, as estrogen appears to influence homocysteine. Patients taking drugs for epilepsy may have greater amounts of homocysteine. Another drug that can cause levels to rise is methotrexate.
Women may experience a shift in homocysteine levels over the course of their lives due to changes in estrogen levels. Pregnant women often find that their levels go down, as they have more estrogen than usual. Older women who have gone through menopause, when estrogen levels naturally decrease, usually see their homocysteine go up. Taking estrogen supplements may help bring them down.
Elevated homocysteine levels may increase risk factors for several medical conditions, although it is not clear whether these elevated homocysteine levels actually cause these conditions or if it is merely a marker indicating a genetic predisposition. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels are among the potential effects of elevated homocysteine levels. Patients with high levels of homocysteine may also be at an increased risk of developing hypothyroidism, Alzheimer's disease, and osteoporosis.
Research has indicated that risk factors for heart disease and other cardiac issues are increased in those with elevated homocysteine levels. Some studies suggest that women may be at a higher risk of developing these effects. High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels are among these potential effects. Additional cardiac-related effects may include a higher risk for developing blood clots or experiencing a stroke.
Atherosclerosis is a medical term for the narrowing and hardening of the arteries. This occurs due to the gradual buildup of cholesterol and other substances within the blood. Elevated homocysteine levels have been shown to be associated with this condition in many cases. As the arteries become narrow, proper blood flow throughout the body is compromised, placing an added strain on the heart.
High homocysteine levels may increase the chances of developing blood clotting disorders. As blood clots develop inside the arteries, blood flow can become seriously compromised, leading to oxygen and nutrient deprivation throughout the body. This in turn can greatly increase the risks of developing potentially life-threatening complications such as stroke or heart attack.
Alzheimer's disease and dementia risks are believed to be higher in those with elevated homocysteine levels. Osteoporosis and bone fracture risks may also be elevated in these patients. Some research has suggested that high homocysteine levels may begin in the embryonic stage of development, possibly predisposing the developing baby to certain health conditions, including mental retardation.
Fortunately, there are usually no symptoms of elevated homocysteine unless one of the associated diseases or medical conditions develop. This condition can be detected through simple blood tests and can almost always be treated easily with vitamin supplements such as vitamins B-6, B-12, and folic acid. Dietary changes or lifestyle modification may be suggested for some patients, in addition to nutritional supplementation. Any questions or concerns about higher than normal homocysteine levels or the available methods of treatment should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.