Download Why Should You be Tested for Elevated Homocysteine?

Homocysteine and Heart Attacks
Why Should You be Tested for Elevated Homocysteine?
The majority of individuals who suffer a heart attack or a stroke never
suspected that there was a problem and 80% of these people had a normal
cholesterol level. A major genetic risk factor often ignored by the medical
establishment is elevated homocysteine.
What is Homocysteiene?
Homocysteine is an unstable amino acid produced as a byproduct of the
conversion of Methionine, an amino acid essential for proper liver function and
Cysteine, an amino acid essential for proper cellular function.
Why elevated Homocysteine is not good for you.
In studies that were conducted 40 years ago, this little known amino acid was
linked to rapid degeneration of the cardiovascular system. It causes chronic
inflammation in the arterial walls causing plaque and occlusion.
Why Your Doctor is Not Testing You for this Cardiovascular Risk Factor
While there are many synthetic drugs that were produced to combat elevated
cholesterol, none were developed for elevated homocysteine. The simple reason is
that the standard treatment for homocysteine is common nutrients which do not
lend themselves to patents and licensing. Consequently it cannot be profitable for
the pharmaceutical companies.
Where Can you Get the test?
It is possible that your insurance company will not pay for this test and for this
reason your MD or HMO may not want to order it for you. In addition, MD’s usually
do not prescribe nutritional supplements and nutritional supplements are the only
recommended treatment for this condition.
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Homocysteine and Heart Attacks
The cost of the test is approximately $70.00. If your present health care
provider will not order it for you, you can order it yourself through a medical service
on the internet called www.directlab.com. You order the test online and they will send
you a prescription for the test at a medical laboratory close to you. This laboratory
will take your blood and do the analysis or send it to the appropriate facility. The
results will be sent to you with possible suggestion from the MD who directs
directlab.com.
What is the Normal Range for Homocysteine?
The normal range for Homocysteine can vary slightly depending on the
procedure followed by the lab. The normal range for homocysteine is equal to or
below 13 umgl/L. The ideal is below 8.0 umgl/L.
What do I do if my Homocysteine level is elevated?
Homocysteine can be successfully treated with simple nutrients. Vitamin B6
100 mg, Vitamin B12 400 mcg, Folic Acid 800 mcg, and Tri Methyl Glycine 1000
mg. If you prefer to take a supplement that already contains the right ratio of the
above nutrients, I recommend Homocysteine Factors by Pure Encapsulations. It is
available through our distributor, Mountain Health Products, at 800-647-0074. The
recommended dosage is two capsules 2 times daily. This product is available on
our website at www.babinetics.com.
The treatment must be continuous to alleviate the risks and be aware that
because there is a genetic tendency other people in your family may have the same
issue.
Are there Other Risk Factors Associated with Elevated Homocysteine?
Because elevated homocysteine is a metabolic disorder associated with the
conversion of one amino acid to another in both directions, it may directly affect the
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Copyright Bertrand Babinet, 2010
Homocysteine and Heart Attacks
level of these amino acids in the body and all the other metabolic pathways
associated to these amino acids.
As a result, all the physiological pathways associated with methionine and
cysteine will be affected. Also cysteine is converted into taurine through a process
called transsulfuration. As a result, all the functions in the body associated with
taurine and sulfur can also be affected. The impact could be toxicity, chronic pain,
depression, arthritis in the joints, immune deficiency, early onset dementia and
many other functional disorders that we are covering in the next paragraph.
Possible Impact of Homcysteine Elevation on Vital Nutrients
Because homocysteine is located at this metabolic crossroad it impacts all
methyl and sulfur-group metabolism occurring in the body. As a result, high
homocysteine could impact negatively the bio-synthesis of the following:

S-adenosylmethionine SAMe (regulating neurological feed-back loop)

Carnitine (associated with the metabolism of fat)

Chondroitin sulfate (associated with joint health)

Coenzyme A (associated with chronic allergies and fat and glucose
metabolism)

Coenzyme Q10 (regulating glucose metabolism in the cells)

Creatine (supporting skeletal muscles)

Cysteine (regulating the production of glutathione a powerful cellular
antioxidant)

Epinephrine (regulating acute stress response)

Glucosamine (regulating joint health)

Sulfate (regulating liver function)

Glycine (involved in neurological pathways)

Melatonin (regulating immunity and sleep)

Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine (neuro transmitter activity and
brain functions
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Homocysteine and Heart Attacks

Serine (needed for the proper metabolism of fats and fatty acids, the
growth of muscle, and the maintenance of a healthy immunity)

Taurine (present in bile and necessary for cell membrane integrity, the
health of the eyes and proper cognitive function)
As you can see any deficiency of these secondary nutrients produced within
the body can have a profound influence on many aspects of your health and well
being without necessarily reaching a pathological level at which they would be
diagnosed medically.
If you have been suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions or you
suspect any of the deficiencies mentioned above do not delay. A simple test and a
simple treatment may be the answer to life-long issues.
For more information on other aspect of cardiovascular health download our
report at www.babinetics.com.
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Copyright Bertrand Babinet, 2010