In fact, high levels of homocysteine are extremely damaging to the heart and can cause scar tissue in the arteries due to the dampening affect this substance has on the body's ability to produce elastin, collagen and fibrillin. Scar tissue in the arteries then leaves them wide open to that nasty culprit cholesterol to reek havoc and build up. This build up, as you know, can lead to heart attack or even stroke.

So what is it that can cause homocysteine levels to elevate in the first place? Homocysteinuria is a genetic disorder that is diagnosed in children where they are incapable of processing homocysteine.

Even though it is rare, it is still a good idea to have knowledge of the symptoms of homocysteinuria, which include:

-Flushed face

-Tall and thin build

-?Knock? knees

-Mental retardation

-Nearsightedness

-Problems with the eyes.

-Greater risk of bone fractures

For those with elevated levels of homocysteine, it is also important to note just how this substance contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. It does this by directly damaging the cells lining the arteries, interfering with the body's ability to clot and by oxidizing LDL cholesterol?the bad cholesterol.

Homocysteine, when subjected to the body in high levels can cause a lot of damage or even death in some people. And besides heredity, the causes of this problem are all over the map. However, some possible causes include

-Smoking cigarettes

-A deficiency in folic acid or Vitamin B6

-A deficiency in Vitamin B12, which in itself can be caused by stomach problems that inhibit the body's ability to absorb the vitamin.

Of course, if you have a heredity disease that causes you to have high levels of homocysteine, your best hope is quick treatment. By ensuring you get and maintain your levels of folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12, you will more than likely keep homocysteine at appropriate levels. And what better way to keep track of its level in your blood than by means of an at home test. Just take a quick oral fluids sample, send it off to the lab and you'll have your results within a few days. It is fast, it is easy and your mind can be put at ease by knowing where your body stands when it comes to homocysteine.