Homocysteine
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Elevated levels may indicate deficiency of Vit B6/12 or a risk for cardiovascular and neurological disorders
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🧪 What is Homocysteine?
Homocysteine is an amino acid formed during the metabolism of methionine, an essential amino acid obtained from dietary protein.
- Normally converted to cysteine or methionine using vitamins B6, B12, and folate.
- Elevated levels may indicate deficiency of these vitamins or a risk for cardiovascular and neurological disorders.
❓ Why is the Test Done?
To:
- Assess risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or stroke
- Detect vitamin B12, B6, or folate deficiencies
- Evaluate recurrent miscarriages or infertility in some cases
- Support diagnosis of homocystinuria (rare genetic disorder)
- Investigate early-onset atherosclerosis in young individuals
📊 Normal Range
Age/Population | Reference Range (µmol/L) |
|---|---|
Adults | 4–15 µmol/L |
Mildly Elevated | 16–30 µmol/L |
Moderately Elevated | 31–100 µmol/L |
Severely Elevated | >100 µmol/L (often genetic cause) |
📈 Interpretation of Results
Level | Clinical Interpretation |
|---|---|
Low/Normal | Healthy methionine metabolism |
High | Possible deficiency in B6, B12, folate, increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, or a genetic metabolic disorder (e.g., homocystinuria) |
Homocysteine is a pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic compound — high levels damage blood vessels and promote clotting.
🧠 Associated Organs & Conditions
System | Associations |
|---|---|
Cardiovascular | Atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke |
Neurological | Cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, peripheral neuropathy |
Hematological | Thrombosis, hypercoagulability |
Genetic/Metabolic | Homocystinuria (CBS gene mutation) |
Reproductive | Recurrent miscarriage, infertility |
🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests
- Vitamin B12, Folate, B6 levels – To identify deficiencies
- Methylmalonic acid – Elevated in B12 deficiency
- Lipid profile – To assess cardiovascular risk
- CRP, hs-CRP – For inflammation and CVD risk
- Genetic testing – For MTHFR or CBS mutations in recurrent or severe cases
✅ Fasting Required?
Test | Fasting Requirement |
|---|---|
Homocysteine | ✅ Yes – 8 to 12 hours fasting recommended for accurate measurement |
📝 Summary Table
Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
What | Measures blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to cardiovascular and neurological health |
Why | To detect vitamin B deficiencies, cardiovascular risk, or inherited metabolic disorders |
Normal Range | 4–15 µmol/L |
High Result | Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, neurodegeneration, or homocystinuria |
Follow-up Tests | B12, Folate, B6, MMA, CRP, genetic screening |
Associated Conditions | Atherosclerosis, thrombosis, cognitive decline, recurrent miscarriage |
Fasting Required | ✅ Yes (8–12 hours) |
How our test process works!
