Homocysteine is an amino acid (amino acids are the building blocks to proteins) that can be found normally within the body. Individuals consume it in the form of animal products, namely meat. In most individuals homocysteine is taken and converted to other amino acids.

Certain people are born with a genetic disorder, which alters the enzyme that converts homocysteine into other amino acids. These people then cannot alter homocysteine and have it build up within their body and blood vessels. Approximately thirty years ago doctors began to notice that these individuals born with this genetic anomaly were developing heart disease at an earlier age than the rest of the population. This realization would bring forth the possibility that homocysteine may indeed induce heart disease.

Investigations would ensue and evidence would be produced that shows homocysteine actually causes endothelial dysfunction through formation of reactive oxygen species, plays a role in plaque formation within blood vessels, and inhibits the vasodilatory and antithrombotic effects of nitric oxide. In short homocysteine can clog you arteries just as we know cholesterol does. Therefore it is a risk factor if elevated levels are found within your body.

You may of course now be thinking, and correctly so, what does this mean to you if you do not suffer from this genetic disorder. Well over the course of the last few decades it has been found that even if you do not have this disorder your homocysteine levels may be elevated. One possible mechanism for this elevation, in an otherwise healthy individual, is low folic acid and vitamin B6 intake. Both folic acid and vitamin B6 are co-factors in the process that converts homocysteine into nontoxic amino acids. If you do not have the cofactors then you do not have the process. Ultimately homocysteine will build up and so does your risk for heart disease. In fact in an article in the New England Journal of Medicine it was stated “The overall risk of cardiovascular disease was 2.2 times higher in people whose blood plasma had total homocysteine levels in the top fifth of what is now considered the normal range”. Therefore it is important to make sure that your intake of folic acid and vitamin B6 is sufficient.

The ideal way to add folic acid and vitamin B6 would be via a well balanced diet. Folic can be found in vegetables, tomatoes, grains, oranges, lemons, or any citrus fruits. Great sources of vitamin B6 include poultry, fish, liver, eggs, oats, and soybeans. If you cannot maintain a well balanced diet for whatever reason and you have additional risk factors for heart disease the use of a multi-vitamin supplement may be beneficial. As always discuss your concerns with you primary care physician or cardiologist, and seek their guidance before initiating on a course of action in order to optimize your medical management.

A good source of "healthy heart living" comes from Dr. Pete's book, Eating For A Healthy Heart; the book is recently released and a hit! It's a must have for anyone with a family history of heart disease or risk factors for heart disease. Diet is very important, especially a well balanced and "heart healthy diet". Look for ordering information on diagnosisheart.com