What Is Homocysteine?
Homocysteine is an amino acid produced as the body digests protein. An elevation in plasma Homocysteine, hyperhomocysteinemia, is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

What Are The Key Risk Factors?
Factors that can cause Homocysteine levels to increase include:
- Smoking and chronic tobacco use
- Chronic, high alcohol consumption
- Post-menopause
- Older age
- Post-heart attack or stroke
- Kidney failure
- Folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 deficiency

Some Common Drugs Increase Homocysteine, Including:
- Niacin
- Fenofibrate
- Metformin
- Methotrexate
- Levodopa
- Phenytoin

How Does Homocysteine Affect Diabetic Complications?
Click here to learn the effects of homocysteine on patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

How Does Homocysteine Affect Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors?
Click here to learn the effects of homocysteine on traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

How Does Homocysteine Affect The Body?
Click here to view a short movie on the effects of homocysteine on the human body.

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