Homosistine Levels

  We have heart disease in my family.  My father had high blood pressure and coronary bi-pass surgery at the Clinic.  My mother had high b.p. and died of a heart attach and stroke at age 63.  Please tell me if it is true that getting your homosistine levels checked and possibly using medication to lower them can be beneficial in reducing chances of heart disease? Thank you for your time.

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

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Dear Tina,
There is alot more to trying to stay heart healthy than just having your
homocyteine level checked.  There is not even scientific agreement on
whether or not this is a true modifiable risk factor for heart disease.
Your best bet Tina is to see a cardiologist that specializes in prevention,
and if that is not possible seek care with a general internist; both such
physicians can educate you on the modifiable cardiac risk factors that pertain to you following a
full history and physical exam.
Just so that you know, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels
and a sedentary lifestyle are all big risk factors for heart disease.  Go to see your
doctor to get a cholesterol check (this is so very much more important than
the homocysteine level, and we have great drugs for it that have been proven to
reduce the risk for heart attack), and a consult on how to become heart healthy.  Depending on your
age, you will also need a physician's approval so to speak before starting and exercise program; one of the
best ways to stay heart healthy is to exercise (aerobic) for 45minutes once every day.
I hope you find this information useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general
purposes only. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to
write back with additional questions. Good luck.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call
1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at
www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that
can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.