News 2024
- 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:
- Thyroid disease
- Kidney disease
- Psoriasis
- Some medicines
- Some genetic diseases, such as homocystinuria