How higher level of Homocysteine lead to Increased risk of Coronary Artery disease in Youngsters?

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• Many cardiac problems are being reported in younger age group.
  A recent study by AIIMS – Bhopal has identified a link between high homocysteine level in the blood of youngsters and coronary artery disease.
• Young population who have a higher level of Homocysteine level in their blood have higher chances for coronary artery disease problem when compared to youngsters with normal blood homocysteine levels.

What is Hyperhomocysteinemia?

• Hyperhomocysteinemia is when levels exceed 15 micromol/L. When homocysteine levels are greater than normal limits, it signifies a disruption in the metabolism of homocysteine.

What is Homecysteine?

• Homocysteine is a type of amino acid. Your body naturally makes it. But at high levels, it can damage the lining of arteries.
• It can encourage blood clotting.
• Homocysteine is converted to cysteine and methionine by a combination of B vitamins (B12, B6, and folate) and enzymes (Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase: MTHFR). Specifically, homocysteine is converted to methionine by a process known as remethylation with the help of vitamin B12.

Risks of Hyperhomocysteinemia:

• Elevated levels of homocysteine have been associated with increased cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and thromboembolic diseases.
• Hyperhomocysteinemia may raise your risk for coronary artery disease, heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes.
• Elevated levels of homocysteine can increase the risk of atherosclerosis by causing endothelial layer injury, promoting inflammation, and increasing oxidative stress

Causes of Hyperhomocysteinemia:

High levels of homocysteine may be caused by low levels of:

• Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin)
• Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine)
• Vitamin B-9 (folic acid, folate)

High levels may also be caused by:

1. Thyroid disease
2. Kidney disease
3. Psoriasis
4. Some medicines
5. Some genetic diseases, such as homocystinuria