Elevated Homocysteine is a known risk factor for the development of cardiovascular challenges and build-up of unwanted material in blood vessels. Vitamins B12, B6, and Folic Acid all play a role in the regulation of homocysteine levels in the body, helping convert it to substances which do not interfere with normal blood vessel function and health.*
The advanced liquid formula of Heartflow™ promotes quicker absorption and use of ingredients than tablets or pills which must first dissolve in the digestive system before being absorbed.*
Note: Do not use when there is fluid retention resulting from reduced renal or cardiac activity. Anyone allergic to any component of this product should not consume. Discontinue usage if undesirable reactions should arise.
|Ingredient Ratings for Effectiveness of Promoting Healthy Homocysteine Levels|
||Minimum use for Clinical Effect (4-80)
|1. Vitamin B12
|2. Vitamin B6
|3. Folic Acid
4-80 Data on file. Eniva Corporation, 2005.
- Cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels) is the #1 killer of both male and female Americans.
- It is estimated that at least 64,400,000 Americans have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Over 1,000,000 angioplasties are done annually in the U.S.
- Over 500,000 cardiac bypass surgeries are done annually in the U.S.
- Unfortunately, 20-40% of patients receiving angioplasty or bypass procedures will have reblockage of their heart vessels within 1 year of the procedure.
Based on information from the AHA Heart and Disease Statistics – 2004 Update
Risk Factors for the Development of Heart Problems
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol and triglycerides
- Smoking and tobacco use
- High homocysteine levels
- Poor nutritional status
Approximately 35% of heart attacks occur in people with normal total cholesterol levels.1
Because of this, medical researchers continue to work to identify those risk factors that affect the chance of developing heart disease. One of these risk factors appears to be homocysteine.
The Homocysteine Connection
What is Homocysteine?
Simply put, homocysteine is a known risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. When the body digests protein, homocysteine is produced. Homocysteine is an amino acid derivative of protein metabolism.
What happens when Homocysteine is elevated in my body?
- Homocysteine injures arterial walls and promotes the build-up of “plaque.”
- Homocysteine can cause the growth of smooth muscle cells in vessel walls, narrowing the blood vessel.
- Homocysteine increases the risk of blood clots, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
- Homocysteine has been implicated in playing a role in multiple health challenges, including issues with blood sugar, memory-neurologic function, and kidney function.
Some studies have shown that for each 5 micromoles per liter increase in homocysteine level, your risk for heart challenges may increase by as much as 60 to 80%.2
How do Homocysteine levels increase in my body?
Elevated levels of homocysteine occur when your body does not have the necessary cofactors to break down and metabolize homocysteine. The necessary cofactors are Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6. These nutrients all play a role in the regulation of homocysteine in the body, converting it to substances, such as methionine and cysteine, which do not interfere with normal vessel function and health.
Increased doses of Vitamins B12, Vitamin B6, and Folic Acid have been shown in clinical studies to significantly promote healthy levels of homocysteine in the body.3
What are healthy Homocysteine levels?
The American Heart Association™ has indicated a reasonable goal should be less than 10 micromoles per liter. Other research suggests that optimal homocysteine levels should be less than 6 micromoles per liter, especially in high risk individuals.4
Homocysteine and Reblockage Rates of Blood Vessels
Unfortunately, 20-40% of patients receiving angioplasty or bypass procedures will have reblockage of their heart vessels within 1 year of the procedure. As a result, researchers have long been studying interventions to increase the long-term success rate of these procedures.
Although many opinions exist in the scientific community, all tend to be in agreement that elevated homocysteine may be a major factor in the restenosis (reblockage) of heart blood vessels. As such, interventions which can bring homocysteine levels into a healthy range could potentially play a significant role in promoting the health of previously blocked blood vessels, and helping avoid the restenosis of these vessels post-procedure.5