Homocysteine & Cardio Risk

Homocysteine & Cardiovascular Risk
In the United States about 25% of all heart attacks occur in people without conventional risk factors such as high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure and smoking. In fact, 35% of heart attacks occur in people with normal total cholesterol levels.
Elevated Homocysteine is an independent risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Homocysteine may also increase overall cardiovascular risk by interacting with traditional risk factors such as:

- Smoking
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- High Cholesterol

What Happens When Homocysteine is Elevated?
Homocysteine injures arterial walls. Injured arterial cells more readily absord LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. Homocysteine helps to promote smooth muscle cell growth in the artery, which narrows the vessel. As Homocysteine levels increase, you are at a higher risk for the formation of blood clots, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

HOMOCYSTEINE FACT:

In women, homocysteine levels increase about 1% for every cigarette smoked per day. In men, homocysteine levels increase about 0.5% for every cigarette smoked per day.