6 Signs and Symptoms of Elevated Homocysteine

6 Signs and Symptoms of Elevated Homocysteine - By: John C Arkin
Introduction

Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is produced by the body and found in blood plasma. Amino acids are considered to be the building blocks of all the body’s proteins. A homocysteine is a product that is naturally made and is commonly acquired from consuming meat.

Homocysteine levels vary with a person’s gender, age, hereditary factors, diet and overall health. However, an estimated 5 to 10% of the population is believed to have high levels of homocysteine.

Signs and Symptoms

Elevated levels of homocysteine are usually associated with the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, called atherosclerosis. Such high levels are often believed to increase the chance of strokes, heart attacks, blood clot formation and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Aside from rare individuals with congenital homocystinuria, high levels of homocysteine do not usually have obvious signs and symptoms until the appearance of the disease with which it is associated.

1. Excessive blood clotting in the vein is one sign of an individual with an elevated level of homocysteine. Blood clots block or decrease the flow of blood through the blood vessels.

2. Blood clotting increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks, which are also signs of elevated levels of homocysteine. The lack of blood supply in the heart muscles can result in heart attacks, while the lack of blood supply to the brain can also result in strokes.

3. Elevated levels of homocysteine can also cause rapid bone loss or osteoporosis. Studies show that a patient with high level of homocysteine demonstrates a higher risk of bone fracture. This is caused by the way the amino acid hinders the bones from absorbing calcium and other minerals. The collagen-forming process in the body is disrupted, which raises the likelihood of osteoporosis.

4. The reason why elevated levels of homocysteine are common among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease is not yet fully understood by scientists. However, many studies show that there is a definitive link between Alzheimer’s disease and homocysteine levels.

5. Eye disorders are a possible sign or symptom of elevated homocysteine levels. According to studies, high levels of this amino acid can cause retinal damage, damage to the neuronal network of the retina, and even loss of vision.

6. Recent studies show a relative risk of recurrent miscarriage in patients with elevated levels of homocysteine and folic acid deficiency. The risk of pregnancy loss was found to be three times higher in patients with high levels of homocysteine and low folate levels.