Heart Disease and Homocysteine

 Heart Disease and Homocysteine

There has been a lot of talk lately about a compound called homocysteine and its relationship to heart disease.Homocysteine is a common amino acid (one of the building blocks that make up proteins) found in the blood and is acquired mostly from eating meat. High levels of homocysteine are related to the early development of heart and blood vessel disease. In fact, it is considered an independent risk factor for heart disease.

High-risk patients with high homocysteine levels should increase their intake of B-vitamins especially folic acid in their diet. It is found mainly in green leafy vegetable, mushrooms, pulses, nuts, fruits and root vegetables.