Which condition can excess homocysteine increase the risk of?

Excess homocysteine in the body is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and brain disorders for several reasons. Homocysteine is an amino acid that, at elevated levels, can damage the lining of blood vessels and promote inflammation, leading to atherosclerosis, which is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. This condition significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and stroke.

Moreover, high levels of homocysteine are associated with cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The neurotoxic effects of elevated homocysteine can contribute to brain cell damage and increase the risk of various brain disorders.

In contrast, while excess homocysteine may have some associations with other conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or liver dysfunction, it is most prominently and directly linked to heart disease and brain disorders.