Homocysteine
Homocysteine
| REF | Volume |
|---|---|
| N/A | N/A |
Product description:
Recently, three new risk factors for heart disease appear promising as independent risk factor
in predicting progression to CVD. These factors include increased levels of homocysteine,
lipoprotein a (Lp[a]) and C-reactive protein (CRP). These new risk factors, in combination with
conventional HDL and LDL analysis, form a new risk profile and a new test panel that offers
better diagnostic value for CVD. There is mounting clinical evidence that an elevated level of
homocysteine is an independent risk factor for the development of CVD. Analysis of clinical
studies has established that serum levels of every 5 ?mol/L increase in total homocysteine is
equivalent to approximately 20 mg/dL increase in total cholesterol levels and also the risk of
CVD doubled.
According to sources (National Heart Forum: 2000, Britton, A. & McPherson, K.), the death rate
of patients suffering CVD under the age of 75 years includes (a) physical inactivity =37%, (b)
obesity =6%, (c) blood pressure >140 /90mm Hg =13%, (d) blood cholesterol >5.2mmol/L (201.06
mg/dL) =46% and (e) smoking =19%. Surprisingly, 30% mortality associated with CVD also occurs in
individuals without conventional risk factors such as HDL, LDL, hypertension, smoking and
obesity.
Homocysteine concentrations are a higher risk factor for death in type 2 diabetes patients
(NIDDM) as compared to non-diabetic patients. The elevation of total homocysteine in diabetic
patients is believed to be related to the degree of diabetic nephropathy, especially in type 2
diabetes patients who have unhealthy lifestyles.
