The most commonly known concern for heart disease is elevated cholesterol. While high cholesterol is indeed a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, there are many others, some of which are not so highly publicized. Homocysteine is an amino acid that circulates in the blood stream and can be measured with a simple blood test. In higher levels, homocysteine has been repeatedly shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders and problems in pregnancy like preeclampsia, neural tube defects (NTDs), and placental abruption. It appears that high levels of homocysteine elevate the amount of oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a process which is more likely to result in plaque formation in arteries, also called atherosclerosis. As well, having high homocysteine can increase blood clotting and lead to blockages in blood vessels, which can cause strokes and heart attacks.
Fortunately, there are treatments for lowering homocysteine, thereby improving heart health. Research has shown that simple nutrients that are non-toxic at recommended doses and do not have the risks associated with drugs like statins used to lower cholesterol, can be quite effective. Folic acid, vitamin B6 and choline can all reduce elevated levels of homocysteine. Interestingly, betaine and choline have been used successfully in the past to treat hyperhomocysteinemic patients with genetic defects in their homocysteine metabolism who had not responded to treatment with vitamin B6 or folic acid. There may be other causes of elevated homocysteine like low levels of thyroid hormone, kidney disease, psoriasis, or some medicines.
