Serum Homocysteine
Understanding Serum Homocysteine
What is Serum Homocysteine?
The Serum Homocysteine test determines the levels of homocysteine, a naturally occurring amino acid in your blood. Elevated homocysteine levels may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other health conditions. High levels of homocysteine are also associated with low levels of vitamins B6, B12, and folate.
Homocysteine is an amino acid produced in the body during the metabolism of methionine, an essential amino acid obtained from the diet. The Serum Homocysteine test assesses the levels of homocysteine and helps in determining cardiovascular risk, evaluating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and predicting pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, recurrent miscarriages, and neural tube defects in the fetus.
The Serum Homocysteine test also helps detect vitamin B6, B12, and folate deficiencies. Since these three vitamins are essential for homocysteine's metabolism (breaking down), increased amino acid levels may indicate a deficiency of these vitamins. Additionally, this test helps diagnose homocystinuria, a rare condition that prevents protein breakdown in newborns and infants.
The Serum Homocysteine test may be recommended for individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease, those with risk factors for heart disease, and those with a history of stroke or peripheral artery disease. It is also beneficial in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and hypothyroidism, or those with a history of poor dietary intake of vitamins B6, B12, or folate.
No fasting is required for this test. You may eat and drink normally as per your daily routine. Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. If you have high homocysteine levels, your doctor may suggest dietary changes. If you are considering taking vitamin supplements, talk to your doctor first.
What is Serum Homocysteine used for?
The Serum Homocysteine test is done:
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To screen for heart attack and stroke, especially in people with no risk factors but with a family history of cardiovascular diseases.
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To detect and diagnose an inherited disease called homocystinuria in newborns and infants
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To detect deficiencies of Vitamin B6, B12, or B9 (Folic acid).
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To identify individuals at higher risk of heart-related issues, even before they develop symptoms.
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To monitor the effectiveness of treatments and lifestyle changes in individuals already diagnosed with a heart condition.
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To assess overall heart function and as a part of cardiac risk markers.
What does Serum Homocysteine measure?
The Serum Homocysteine test measures your blood levels of homocysteine that serves in the body as an intermediate in the metabolism of methionine and cysteine. Methionine is an essential amino acid and antioxidant that synthesizes proteins. Cysteine is a nonessential amino acid synthesized from methionine. It reduces inflammation, increases communication between immune cells, and increases liver health.
The human body generally has low levels of homocysteine. This is because our body uses vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid (also called folate or vitamin B9) to break down homocysteine rapidly, convert it into other compounds, and transport it to our body. However, high levels can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks, damage to arteries, and brain stroke.
Interpreting Serum Homocysteine results
Interpretations
Normal homocysteine levels: 4 to 15 µmol/L
Concentrations above 15µmol/L are considered to increase homocysteine levels. An increased level of homocysteine in the blood is called Hyperhomocysteinemia, which is classified into:
· Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia: 15 to 30 µmol/L
· Intermediate hyperhomocysteinemia: 30 to 100 µmol/L
· Severe hyperhomocysteinemia: More than 100 µmol/L
Hyperhomocysteinemia can be caused due to:
· Deficiency of Vitamin B6, B12, or Folic acid
· Inherited disease homocystinuria (Genetic abnormality of methionine metabolizing enzymes)
· Chronic alcoholism
The normal level of homocysteine in the blood is usually higher in males than in females. Homocysteine levels also increase with age.