Under normal circumstances, excess homocysteine is rapidly eliminated. With the help of essential vitamins, the liver changes homocysteine into an amino acid the body can use or breaks down for excretion. It has been estimated that high homocysteine levels can increase the risk of heart disease as much as smoking or high cholesterol. You should discuss this question with your doctor. The authors of the American Heart Association's Science Advisory suggest homocysteine measurements for selected patients with a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease.
Blood tests are available.
Ask your doctor. Elevated levels of homocysteine my result from a deficiency of certain essential vitamins. In addition, many people have a mild genetic defect in the pathway of homocysteine metabolism. In most cases, elevated levels of homocysteine are easy to control. Simply make sure that you eat a well-balanced diet that includes green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, meats, fish, and fortified grains and cereals.