Homocysteine Test Popular

Homocysteine is a non-protein amino acid that is found in the blood. Increased levels of homocysteine in the blood are related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, blood clots, heart attack and stroke. Homocysteine levels in the blood are strongly influenced by an individual's diet and genetic factors. Folate and B vitamins like B₆ and B₁₂ are necessary to help break down homocysteine in the body, so when an individual is lacking in these vitamins, they may have an overabundance of homocysteine.

Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency can lead to irreversible neurologic damage, folate deficiency during pregnancy may cause neural tube defects, and either can cause megaloblastic anemia. Although folate and vitamin B₁₂ can be measured directly, homocysteine is a more accurate indicator of deficiency at the tissue level.

The homocysteine test is often used to evaluate those with malnutrition or folate/vitamin B₁₂ deficiencies. It is also used to monitor those with a history of heart disease or cardiac issues.