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February 2002

Homocysteine:
Another Risk Factor for Heart Disease

Not everyone who has a heart attack has the typical risk factors of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking. In the U.S. about 25% of all heart attacks occur in people without those risk factors. Now scientists have found other risk factors that can contribute to the progression of heart disease. One of these is a high level of homocysteine (homocysteinemia).

Essential amino acids are necessary for synthesizing protein. Homocysteine comes from one of the essential amino acids, methionine. While the body requires normal levels of this amino acid, high levels can occur. Too much homocysteine in the blood has been found to be associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and blood vessel disease. Some studies have shown that for each 5 micromoles per liter increase in homocysteine, your risk for heart disease can increase 60% to 80% (see FYI for normal range). 

Homocysteinemia is usually genetic but it is influenced by diet. The B vitamins folic acid B6 B12 break down homocysteine in the body. As a result, increased intake of these vitamins is associated with lower levels of homocysteine. A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is a good defense against heart disease. (See Ingredient Substitutions for food sources of the B vitamins.)

For Your Information: Normal Range for Homocysteine Adult Men & Women: 5-15 micromoles per liter The American Heart Association considers 10 micromoles or less per liter to be a reasonable goal for people at increased risk for heart disease.

 
Low Fat Cooking
Meatball Soup

Here is a delicious dish that combines several good sources of B vitamins.

In medium bowl, combine egg white, bread crumbs, onion, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add ground beef; mix well. Shape into 36 meatballs. Lightly spray large skillet with vegetable oil spray. Cook meatballs over medium heat about 8 minutes or until done, turning occasionally. Cover and keep warm over low heat. In large saucepan, stir together water, beans, undrained tomatoes, mushrooms, bouillon, and seasoning. Bring to boil, add rice, spinach and meatballs. Turn heat down and simmer for 1 or 2 minutes or until spinach wilts.    

Nutrition Information for Meatball Soup: (Nutrients per entrée servings:)

Calories 218 Sodium 60 mg  Total Fat 6 g  Carbohydrate 26 g Cholesterol 31 mg Protein 16 g