Heart Health Alert: Homocysteine Levels And Heart Health Demystified

TORRANCE, Calif. - Feb. 10, 2015 - PRLog -- Sure, surgery and drugs can help keep the heart pumping. But once a heart suffers through a serious trauma, it is difficult to bring it back to performing at its best. Thus prevention is key for true heart health.

“Preventative nutrition is key to keep your heart beating,” notes holistic doctor, Michael E. Rosenbaum, MD. “But it can be confusing to sort out what works and what doesn’t. This is particularly true when it comes to B vitamins. Studies seem to go back and forth on whether or not they can make the difference. But despite the confusion, some clear guidelines seem to be emerging. If used at the right time, certain B vitamins seem to make a significant difference in heart health outcomes.”

The role of B vitamins in heart health hinges on a molecule called homocysteine. In 2006, in a study of women and heart disease, women who had a high level of the amino acid homocysteine were 4 times more likely to die of heart disease.

Homocysteine is formed when protein is broken down in the body. It seems to play a role in injuring artery walls and increasing the likelihood of blood clots. These two effects can increase the risk of stroke or a heart attack.

In addition, high blood homocysteine levels have been linked to pregnancy complications, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, depression and cognitive problems associated with aging.

Research has also shown that people who get high levels of certain B vitamins – folate (B9), B12 and B6 - have consistently lower homocysteine levels.

This seems to indicate that taking these B vitamins to lower your homocysteine levels would result in decreasing the risk of heart attacks or stroke. Well, this doesn’t always seem to be the case . . .

While high homocysteine levels have been associated with heart disease, simply lowering homocysteine levels with B12, B6 and folate may not necessarily reduce the risk. A review of studies found no conclusive evidence that using B vitamins to lower homocysteine levels reduced the risk of heart disease.

In another large-scale study, there was no difference in the risk for heart attacks and strokes between people who supplemented with these B’s and those who didn’t.

“These studies have caused scientists to question B vitamins’ role in heart health,” acknowledge Dr. Rosenbaum. “But when you look closer at the studies one commonality emerges that sheds some light on all of this. Both studies only looked at people who already had heart problems. They don’t help us understand how effectively B vitamins help prevent heart disease earlier on, when you don’t have any heart problems.  The B vitamins may be less effective after the heart has already suffered a trauma.”

A few studies support this possibility . . .

A study focusing on folic acid and the risk for heart disease found folic acid seemed to protect against a first heart attack, but not do much to prevent a second.

And in another study involving people without any risk for heart disease, supplementing with B vitamins made a noticeable difference for the participants who had higher levels of homocysteine. With the B vitamins, their development of subclinical plaque buildup in the arteries slowed below the rate seen in the placebo group. Those who had low rates of homocysteine already did not see a difference in atherosclerosis progression.

As these studies show, B vitamins may be more effective when used before much damage is done.

Concludes Dr. Rosenbaum. “It seems it’s hard to reverse heart health risks associated with homocysteine levels once they’ve taken hold in your body. But keeping your homocysteine levels low from the start with a B-vitamin rich diet may be a powerful way to prevent heart problems.These studies underscore the importance of preventative medicine like this.”

To find out what specific factors increase the likelihood of developing high homocysteine levels and to read the rest of the article, please go to https://www.sunchlorellausa.com/blog/heart-health-and-homocysteine-levels-what-you-need-know.

About Michael E. Rosenbaum, MD
Dr. Rosenbaum is a 30-year veteran and widely recognized pioneer in the field of nutritional medicine, alternative healthcare and medical acupuncture. As one of America's most respected experts in natural health and healing, Dr. Rosenbaum has been a frequent lecturer to professional medical groups and has participated in numerous television and radio talk shows. He is also an esteemed member of the Sun Chlorella Advisory Board, which helps guide the medical innovation behind Sun Chlorella products.

About Sun Chlorella USA

Sun Chlorella USA offers the finest quality chlorella products for anti-aging, weight maintenance, energy, heart, brain & digestive system, as well as overall health and wellness for both people and pets.  Want to learn more health secrets? Get a free copy of our report, "Why Didn't My Doctor Tell Me About This?!" This eye-opening report, created by 5 pioneering natural health experts, reveal nutritional secrets that can change your life. Go to https://sunchlorellausa.com/download-free-report to get a copy. Also, for special offers, news and updates, follow us on Twitter at @sunchlorellausa or ‘Like’ us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SunChlorella.