The Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center of Nevada
2020 W. Palomino Lane Suite 110
Las Vegas, Nevada 89106
702-385-2702
since July 3, 2010
Last updated July 3, 2010
webmaster RIS
The Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center of Nevada 2020 W. Palomino Lane Suite 110 Las Vegas, Nevada 89106 702-385-2702
since July 3, 2010 Last updated July 3, 2010 webmaster RIS
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What Is It?? HOMOCYSTEINE Homocysteine is an amino acid important in metabolism. In the past, a markedly elevated homocysteine level has been associated with a higher risk of forming blood clots and vascular disease. However, it is only recent that mild hyperhomocysteinemia has been associated with these complications. As compared to the general population, persons with hyperhomocysteinemia have a 6.8 time greater risk of peripheral arterial disease, 2.5 time greater risk of stroke, and 2 time greater risk of heart disease. The risk of mild hyperhomocysteinemia may be as important as the risk associated with increased cholesterol or smoking history.
How Do You Get It?? Mild elevations of homocysteine in the body can be inherited. This commonly occurs in up to 50% of persons from North America. However, elevated homocysteine may also be related to a diet low in Vitamin B12 or Folic Acid. The combination of an inherited syndrome and the dietary deficiency may increase the risk of developing blood clots or vascular disease.
Who Knows If They Have It?? People with recurrent blood clots or problems with vascular disease that have no other explanation may be tested for the presence of hyperhomocysteinemia. A genetic test for one of the inherited defects, an abnormal MTHFR, is available. A study was published evaluating whether the gene defect alone is a risk factor for recurrent blood clots. This very large well done study demonstrated that the presence of this gene abnormality alone does NOT increase the risk of recurrent blood clots. Therefore testing is controversial and guidelines will probably be revised in the future.
What Should You Do About It?? To treat hyperhomocysteinemia, vitamin supplements have been given in order to try to lower the level. This can be done by taking a combination of Vitamin B6, B12, and Folic Acid. However, recent data demonstrate that although you can lower the homocysteine level with B supplements, this has not improved the risk of recurrent blood clots or coronary disease. Therefore use of vitamin supplementation is not recommended. Therefore, treatment with blood thinners may be needed. |
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