Homocysteine: is it a clinically important cardiovascular risk factor?
Elevated plasma homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and venous thromboembolism. Folic acid and other B vitamins lower plasma homocysteine levels, but whether this therapy confers a clinical benefit has yet to be determined. Until we know the results of ongoing clinical trials of homocysteine-lowering therapy, testing for and treating elevated homocysteine is probably justified only in patients with known cardiovascular disease or who are at high risk.
Lentz
Steven R
SR
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA. steven-lentz@uiowa.edu
Haynes
William G
WG
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology; D012016:Reference Values; D012307:Risk Factors; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000627:therapeutic use
D006710:Homocysteine; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D005492:Folic Acid