[Hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease].

Cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in general population today. Hyperhomocysteinemia, a new independent risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease, has been described in the last ten years. Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia occurs in 5-7% of general population, and is associated in the third and fourth deceny of life with premature coronary disease, stroke, arterial and venous thromboembolism. An increased level of homocysteine could be treated with folic acid. This short review describes the impact of hyperhomocysteinemia on cardiovascular morbidity, and an up-to-date prevention and treatment.