High plasma homocysteine: a risk factor for vascular disease in the elderly

Citation
A. Moustapha et K. Robinson, High plasma homocysteine: a risk factor for vascular disease in the elderly, CORON ART D, 9(11), 1998, pp. 725-730
Citations number
36
Categorie Soggetti
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems
Journal title
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
ISSN journal
09546928 → ACNP
Volume
9
Issue
11
Year of publication
1998
Pages
725 - 730
Database
ISI
SICI code
0954-6928(1998)9:11<725:HPHARF>2.0.ZU;2-R
Abstract
Homocysteine is an intermediate compound formed during the metabolism of me thionine. Several studies have shown that plasma homocysteine concentration s rise with age, Overt or borderline deficiencies of folate, vitamin B-12 o r B-6 and possibly age-related kidney dysfunction are the major causes of h omocysteine elevation in the elderly population. Multiple case-control and prospective studies have shown that a high plasma homocysteine concentratio n is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; this associati on persists in the elderly, Supplementation with folic acid either alone or with vitamins B-12 and B-6 can lower plasma homocysteine, Intervention stu dies to assess the effects (if any) of such treatment on prognosis are now in progress in patients with vascular disease. Coronary Artery Dis 9:725-73 0 (C) Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.