66% of Indians tested have elevated levels of homocysteine in blood: Report
As per a report by Tata 1mg Labs, more than 66% of people in India have higher than normal levels of homocysteine in their bloodstream, making them vulnerable to heart diseases, such as blood clots, heart attack and stroke.
“Hyperhomocysteinemia is considered an independent risk marker for atherosclerotic vascular disease and venous thromboembolism or blood clots. But it is important to interpret the numbers in correlation with the patient profile and other risk factors. Increased levels of homocysteine are often secondary to nutritional inadequacy of folic acid and vitamin B12. It can be corrected with either supplements or a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products," the report quotes Dr Sameer Gupta, a US board certified Interventional Cardiologist and Head of Cardiology for the Metro Group of Hospitals.
What is homocysteine?
The normal range of homocysteine in human beings is 5 to 15 micromoles per liter (mcmol/L).
Excess of homocysteine, which is more than 50 mcmol/L is likely to damage the lining of the arteries. Hence, high levels of homocysteine is associated with heart disease risk.
Elevated homocysteine level in the blood is medically known as Hyperhomocysteinemia.
It indicates a deficiency in vitamin B12 and folate mostly.
The common risk factors of Hyperhomocysteinemia are low thyroid hormone level, psoriasis, kidney disease, genetics and also certain kinds of medication.
Are there symptoms related to this?
The need for a homocysteine test arises when a person shows symptoms related to vitamin B deficiency.
The common symptoms are weakness, dizziness, sores in the mouth, tingling sensation in feet, arms and hands, pale skin, shortness of breath and mood changes.
So, is homocysteine a reliable marker for cardiac events?
“Homocysteine is a reliable marker for cardiac events like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It is a reliable marker for overall increased thrombotic tendencies. However, it is still not a very clear marker for heart attacks and if it causes heart attacks. There are increased investigations on high homocysteine levels and their association with heart attacks. Doctors are also monitoring homocysteine levels during the diagnosis and treatment of attacks,” says Dr Sameer Dani, Director, Cardiology Services, Apollo CVHF Heart Institute, Ahmedabad.
“High levels of homocysteine can be treated by giving a high dosage of vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid. Everyone, especially young people who have a heart attack, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism should be screened for homocysteine. By treating the levels of homocysteine the risk of occurrences of cardiac events can be reduced,” he adds.
“Increasing vitamin intake does not help alone”
"Though a high level of homocysteine in the blood is a marker for increased risk, we do not have clear data that interventions to lower homocysteine will reduce the risk or heart disease. If you have high homocysteine levels, your doctor may recommend taking vitamin B12, B6 or folate supplements," cautions Dr Gupta.
Several health reports have also debated over the relevance of homocysteine in determining and treating heart related complications.
"It is important to note that increasing your vitamin intake alone does not decrease the risk of heart disease, lifestyle corrections like smoking cessation, staying physically active, and managing your medical conditions hold crucial significance," adds Dr Gupta.
What are the other complications linked with high homocysteine levels?
If you have high levels of homocysteine you are likely to develop complications like osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, thrombosis or blood clot in the blood vessel, venous thrombosis or blood clot in the veins, stroke, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
How can you test the homocysteine level?
Homocysteine levels can be found through a blood test.
The test, also known as a homocysteine test, measures the vitamin B levels and helps diagnose if you are deficient in the vitamin.
Who should get a homocysteine test?
A person who has high risk for heart diseases and diseases related to blood vessels and show early symptoms around these diseases are often advised to have a homocysteine test done.
However, the readings of the test should not be self-interpreted. Do not jump to the conclusion that high levels of this means you will have a heart attack in the near future. Consult your doctor, take other tests recommended and get a complete diagnosis done.