Homocysteine and cardiovascular disease: a review of current recommendations for screening and treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature for, and provide advanced practice nurses (APNs) with, current recommendations for screening and treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia.


METHODS
Medscape literature search of selected research studies and related journal articles.


CONCLUSIONS
While data from most epidemiologic studies support the argument that hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the debate continues as to when screening and treating patients is appropriate. The consensus is that more randomized controlled trials are needed to further study the benefits of routine screening and the efficacy of treating hyperhomocysteinemia.


CONCLUSIONS
Until the results of ongoing clinical trials are available, APNs should follow the American Heart Association guidelines for screening for elevated levels of homocysteine and continue to promote a well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in folic acid as part of health promotion through primary prevention.
Chamberlain
Karen L
KL
Milwaukee Area Technical College, Wisconsin, USA. karleec@wi.rr.com
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000451:nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000458:organization & administration; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D005492:Folic Acid