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Homocycsteine
We are all aware of the effect that too much cholesterol can have on the body increases in blood pressure, clogging up the arteries and increasing the chances of heart attack and stroke. However, we now know that your cholesterol levels are not the only factor in the equation, there is another chemical called homocysteine that plays a major role and it could have an effect independent of common risk factors such as a high fat diet or smoking.
You probably haven’t heard of homocysteine, but I am sure it will become well known before too long. Recent research has shown that levels of homocysteine could very well be a more important predictor of cardiovascular disease risk than cholesterol levels. Homocysteine is a sulphur containing amino acid which is produced as a by product of some processes in the body and increased levels are thought to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Elevated levels of homocysteine can be caused by several factors which include; increasing age, smoking, vitamin deficiencies, alcohol, excessive tea and coffee consumption. If elevated levels are detected they can easily be brought down with certain vitamin combinations that are essential for the breakdown of the molecule, although this does take a few weeks. The individual may also have to make some lifestyle changes too. It is advised to retest your levels approximately three months after starting vitamin supplementation to check that levels are dropping and consequently reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Testing your levels of homocysteine is very simple. It involves a finger prick blood test. The blood is sent to a laboratory where its homocysteine content is chemically determined. The test is available from the clinic and costs £70.00 (including P&P). If you would like more information or would like to have your homocysteine levels tested please contact the clinic.
CLINIC
Mayfair Medical Centre
3-5 Weighhouse Street,
London, W1K 5LS
Tel: +44 (0)1372-361669
Bond Street 