Amino acids imbalances can impact cardiovascular health in a variety of ways. An anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory effects, taurine modulates the cellular influx of calcium, sodium, potassium and, significantly, magnesium--sometimes called "nature's calcium channel blocker." By promoting potassium retention by the heart, taurine actually appears to reverse certain cardiac abnormalities.1 Thus subnormal levels may indicate the course of increased cardiovascular symptoms.

Methionine is a crucial essential amino acid required for proper metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. Impaired methionine metabolism, particularly homocysteine accumulation, leads to increased incidence of coronary artery disease,2 peripheral and cerebral occlusive disease,3 myocardial infarction,4,5 and stroke.6

Administration of arginine has been demonstrated to reduce intimal thickness and vascular reactivity in atherosclerosis,7 as well as decrease platelet clumping and clot formation within arterial walls.8 Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and platelet accumulation. Other amino acids patterns can provide important clues about deficiencies of nutrients such as B6, B12, folic acid and serine, the major components in homocysteine metabolism. The Amino Acids Analysis evaluates over 40 metabolic markers and is available as a plasma or a 24-hour urine assay.

References:
1 Meldrum MJ, Tu R, et al. The effect of taurine on blood pressure, and urinary sodium, potassium and calcium excretion. Adv Exp Med Biol 1994;359:207-215.
2 Boushey C, Beresford S, Omenn G, Motulsky A. A quantitative assesment of plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for vascular disease. Probable benefits of increasing folic acid intakes. JAMA 1995;274:1049 1057.
3 Selhub J, Jacques P. Bostom A, et al. Associatiion between plasma homocysteine concentrations and extracranial carotid-artery stenosis. N Engl J Med 1995;332:286-291.
4 Landgren F. Israelsson B, Lindgren A, et al. Plasma homocysteine in acute myocardial infarction: homocysteine-lowering effect of folic acid. J Int Med 1995;237:381-388.
5 Chasan-Taber L, Selhub J, Rosenberg I, et al. A prospective study of folate and vitamin B6 and risk of myocardial infarction in US physicians. J Am Coll Nutr 1996;15:136-143.
6 Brattstrom L, Lindgren A, et al. Hyperhomocysteinaemia in stroke: prevalence, cause, and relationships to type of stroke and stroke risk factors. European Journal of Clinical Investigation 1992;22:214-221.
7 Drexler H et al. Correction of endothelial dysfunction in coronary microcirculation of hypercholesterolaemic patients by L-arginine. Lancet 1991;338:1546-1550.
8 Cooke JP et al. Dietary L-arginine supplementation normalizes platelet aggregation in hypercholesterolemic humans. J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;29(3):479-485.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment call (818) 707-3126 or 800-956-7083 or go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L.Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 25 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.