Association between plasma homocysteine concentrations and extracranial carotid-artery stenosis

Hyperhomocysteinemia and low concentrations of folate and vitamin B6 appear to be associated with an increased risk of carotid artery stenosis in the elderly. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a condition in which plasma levels of homocysteine are higher than normal. Inadequate folate and vitamin B6 concentrations in the blood are associated with the condition. A group of 1,041 people over the age of 66 were divided into two groups based upon the severity of stenosis in two carotid vessels. People with high levels of homocysteine were found to be twice as likely to be in the group with more severe stenosis than those with normal homocysteine concentrations. Higher concentrations of folate and B6 in the plasma were related to less stenosis, while lower concentrations of folate and B6 were found in patients with more severe sclerosis.