What is Hyperhomocysteinaemia ?
Homocysteine has been considered as a risk factor for Cardio-vascular diseases because of many epidemiological and observational studies showing that increased fasting total homocysteine levels (> 15 mmol/l) are independently associated with CAD, peripheral vascular disease, cerebro-vascular disease, and CVD death. However, the prospective studies have given controversial results and so the importance of the increased homocysteine levels has not been clearly defined.
Genetic and nutritional factors, such as deficiencies in folate, vitamin B 12 and vitamin B6, are associated with increased serum levels of homocysteine, while in patients with hyperhornocysteinaernia, supplementation with these vitamins can decrease homocysteine levels. Large randomised clinical trials are being conducted to examine the potential benefits of decreasing homocysteine levels.