Homocysteine and patients at risk of stroke:
A statistically significant positive association between elevated homocysteine (Hcy), an amino acid, and the risk stroke was evaluated in a cohort study of 7,983 individuals (The Rotterdam study). It was estimated that each 1 mmol/L increase in plasma Hcy concentrations were associated with a 6–7% increase in the risk of stroke. Additionally, participants with total Hcy levels above 18.6 micromol/L were at significantly increased risk for heart attack (odds ratio [OR]=2.43) and stroke (OR=2.53). Those with hypertension also had a higher risk. (10)
Folic acid homocysteine, and stroke prevention: