Homocysteine

Women with high levels of the chemical homocysteine in their blood may have an increased risk for developing heart disease, stroke, and poor circulation in their hands and feet. Researchers are not sure how high levels of homocysteine affect the heart, but they believe that it damages the arteries, which makes the blood more likely to clot and the blood vessels less flexible. Sometimes high levels of homocysteine run in families; other women may develop the problem after menopause.

If you have a high homocysteine level, ask your doctor for additional information.

A good way to keep your homocysteine levels in check is to eat plenty of foods rich in folic acid (citrus fruits, tomatoes, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals and grains), vitamin B6 (meat, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, and grain products), and vitamin B12 (meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products).

Reference:
Heart Healthy Handbook for Women, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), 30-31; 2002.