Hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for arterial and venous disease. A review of evidence and relevance.

In homozygous homocystinuria due to cystathionine synthase deficiency, characterized by severe hyperhomocysteinemia, there is a high incidence of vascular complications. These observations focus on homocysteine as an atherogenic and thrombophilic agent. At the present time, there is also convincing evidence that even mild hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease due to occlusive arterial complications. Furthermore, a positive association between mild hyperhomocysteinemia and the occurrence of venous thrombosis has been shown but needs further study. Mildly elevated homocysteine levels affect the arterial system independently from conventional risk factors. This newly- recognized factor seems equally strong in risk to hypercholesterolemia and smoking, while hypertension leads to a larger excess risk. It interacts synergistically with hypertension and smoking in a joint arteriosclerotic effect in patients with the concomitant presence of these risk factors. The homocysteine-lowering efficacy of a simple and safe vitamin regimen has been proven but data on the clinical outcome of such intervention are lacking thus far.