Nutrition Information

Vitamin B6, Homocysteine and Heart Disease

by Hratch L Karamanoukian, MD and Pierre Aoukar, MD
Posted: February 16

Blood homocysteine levels have been recognized as an important cardiovascular risk factor that predict adverse cardiac events in those with established coronary artery disease.

Blood levels of vitamins B6, B12 and folate (folic acid) are inversely related to blood homocysteine levels. that is, the lower their levels, the higher the blood levels of homocysteine (the "bad actor" in heart disease).

For patients with early onset coronary artery disease, family history of heart disease or established coronary artery disease, blood homocyeteine levels should be measured. It is recommended that multivitamins containing folic acid, B6 and B12 be taken daily.

Reference:
Excerpt from the book: Everything Is Bad For Your Heart: The A to Z Guide, Karamanoukian HL and Aoukar P. Magalhaes Scientific Press

Date of Article Publication:
In press

Web Site: http://www.diagnosisheart.com