Homocysteine
Women with high levels of the chemical homocysteine
in their blood may have an increased risk for developing
heart disease, stroke, and poor circulation in their hands
and feet. Researchers are not sure how high levels of homocysteine
affect the heart, but they believe that it damages the arteries,
which makes the blood more likely to clot and the blood
vessels less flexible. Sometimes high levels of homocysteine
run in families; other women may develop the problem after
menopause.
A good way to keep your homocysteine levels in check is
to eat plenty of foods rich in folic acid (citrus fruits,
tomatoes, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals and grains),
vitamin B6 (meat, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, and
grain products), and vitamin B12 (meat, poultry, fish, and
dairy products).
Reference
Heart
Healthy Handbook for Women, National Heart, Lung and Blood
Institute (NHLBI), 30-31; 2002.
Source of Material: RockHill Communications, 14
Rock Hill Road Bala, Cynwyd, PA 19004, (610) 667-2040, http://www.RockHillCommunications.com
Writer: Christine Norris
Editors: Andrea King, Joanne Poeggel, Erin Murphy, Ron
Wozny
Clinical Reviewer: Patt Panzer, M.D. - RockHill Communications
Date Written: 3/1/01
Last Reviewed & Updated: 5/31/2003 |
