Normally homocysteine is converted to other non- damaging amino acids. Three B vitamins make this conversion possible: folate, B6, and B12, but if for some reason there is a genetic defect or vitamin deficiency causing this conversion to slow down, homocysteine levels increase and promote cholesterol’s damaging effects on the lining of the arterial wall.

Too much homocysteine causes blood platelets to clump, thus leading to blood clots and deterioration of smooth muscle cells that line the arterial wall. Chronic homocysteine exposure can scar and thicken arteries. This provides a fertile mechanism for your LDL (bad cholesterol) to initiate damage and encourage plaque formation. Those with elevated homocysteine levels have a 3 to 4.5 times greater risk of death from heart disease compared to those with normal homocysteine levels.

Since this time an impressive number of research studies have shown a strong positive correlation between plasma homocysteine levels, heart attack and mortality risks. Both smoking and high blood pressure (hypertension) magnify the negative effects of homocysteine. In addition, homocysteine levels are also associated with Alzheimer’s disease and adverse outcomes and complications of pregnancy.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, a healthy homocysteine level is less than 12 µmol per L. A level greater than 12 µmol per L is considered high. If your homocysteine level is greater than 12 µmol per L and you have blockages in any blood vessel, you need to lower your homocysteine. If you have no other major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and you do not have atherosclerosis, it may be okay for you to have a modestly high homocysteine level (12 to 15 µmol per L).