Vnitr Lek 1999, 45(1):40-45
[Homocysteine--a routine biochemical parameter in cardiovascular diseases?].
- Oddelenie klinickej biochémie NsP F. D. Roosevelta, Banská Bystrica.
An elevated level of total homocysteine (tHcy) in blood-hyperhomocysteinemia, is prevalent and strong risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease in the coronary, cerebral and peripheral vessels and for thromboembolism (arterial and venous). Elevated total homocysteine confers a graded risk with no threshold, is independent of but may enhance the effect of conventional risk factors. Hyperhomocysteinemia seems to be a particularly strong predictor of cardiovaskular mortality. Supplementation with B-vitamins, in particular with folic acid, is an efficient, safe and inexpensive means to reduce an elevated total homocysteine level.
Keywords: Arteriosclerosis, blood, ; Cardiovascular Diseases, blood, ; Homocysteine, blood, ; Humans; Risk Factors
Published: January 1, 1999 Show citation