Article Text
ACP Broadsheet No 152: March 1998. Clinical implications of plasma homocysteine measurement in cardiovascular disease.
Abstract
Plasma homocysteine is emerging as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Measurement in clinical laboratories is feasible by several techniques, including HPLC. Of particular importance is the potential for treatment by dietary modification and vitamin supplements, particularly folic acid. The outcome of vitamin intervention on cardiovascular events is awaited with interest. If the role of homocysteine is confirmed then it may rival cholesterol in importance as a cardiovascular risk factor.