HOMOCYSTEINE AS A RISK FACTOR FOR CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE

Homocysteine is an amino acid that appears to damage the vascular endothelium and promote thrombosis. The most frequent causes of hyperhomocyst(e)inemia are the inherited defect of the enzyme cystathinonine B-synthase and nutritional deficiency of vitamin B-12 or folate. Hyperhomocyst(e)inemia is associated, perhaps causally, with atherosclerotic vascular disease. Interactions with risk factors such as cigarette smoking, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension are possible, but not yet defined. Dietary supplementation with vitamin B-12, folate, and other substances can reduce homocysteine levels. Such simple measures may reduce the risk of vascular disease in hyperhomocyst(e)inemic subjects.