By
[http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Nicholas_Messina_M.D./12789] Nicholas Messina M.D.
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels are still the
number one health problem in the United States. Approximately 35% of all heart
attacks occur in people with normal total cholesterol levels.
Research has shown that high levels of an amino acid
called Homocysteine contributes to the progression of heart disease. Many
researchers believe that the connection between Homocysteine and
atherosclerosis is even stronger than the case against cholesterol. Some
studies have shown that for each 5 micromoles per liter increase in
homocysteine level, your risk for heart disease can increase by as much as 60
to 80%. The American Heart Association has indicated that a reasonable
therapeutic goal for homocysteine levels should be less than 10 micromoles per
liter.
