If you are one of the millions with heart failure, be sure to demand a homocysteine test from your physician. A new study says that your life is in danger if your levels are high. But it also suggests that lowering your levels could extend your life significantly.
According to the researchers, over one-third of CHF patients have homocysteine levels over 14 microm/L. (My recommended cut off is 10.) If you are high, your risk of dying within three years increases to a whopping 63%. But if your levels are lower, your three-year risk of dying drops to 27%. That is a 36% drop in your risk of dying.
Researchers have also found that high homocysteine levels can cause reduced kidney function, less oxygen consumption, and other negative markers of longevity.
High homocysteine is easily treatable. Your doctor may not know, but heres all you need: folic acid (800 mcg daily), vitamin B6 (100 mg daily), betaine (3,000 mg daily), and vitamin B12 injection or pill. Ref: Atherosclerosis, 2006.