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.
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA. steven-lentz@uiowa.edu
Steven R
SR
Lentz
William G
WG
Haynes
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