Homocysteine

Indians are pre-disposed to coronary heart disease besides vitamin deficiencies being underdiagnosed and undertreated. Therefore, the homocysteine test is a good indicator for both these conditions. The test is also a part of the new-born screening panel to rule out homocystinuria in infants.

• To diagnose vitamin deficiencies
  

The Homocysteine test may be ordered by your healthcare provider if he suspects Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 or Folate Deficiency. Dizziness, fatigue, tingling in hands and feet, paleness of skin and sore tongue are all signs of Vitamin B deficiencies. Correcting vitamin deficiency will bring homocysteine levels in the blood back to normal. 

• Those who are at high risk for stroke, heart attack or those with coronary heart disease

Higher levels of homocysteine increases the risk of blood clot formation leading to higher risk of coronary heart disease or stroke. 

• To diagnose homocystinuria in newborn 

Homocystinuria is an inherited disorder and the homocysteine test is done on newborn and infant if the disorder is suspected. It leads to high levels of homocysteine both in the blood and urine.  It is now a common test to perform as per the newborn screening panel. Babies with homocystinuria may appear normal at birth but if not treated leads to complication like skeletal abnormalities, osteoporosis, increased risk of atherosclerosis and premature cardiovascular disease.

Other Names: Plasma Total Homocysteine, Homocysteine cardiac risk

The homocysteine test measures the blood level of homocysteine and is used to diagnose Vitamin B6, B9 or B12 deficiency, to determine if there is an increased risk of heart attack or stroke and to diagnose rare inherited disorders called homocystinuria in newborns.  

Homocysteine is an amino acid that can be found in small amounts in all cells of the body and is used to make proteins. Vitamins like Vitamin B12, B6 or B9 are needed to break down homocysteine. Therefore, if the blood concentrations of homocysteine is high, it indicates vitamin deficiencies. Since high levels of homocysteine increases the risk of blood clot formation, the test also is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease or stroke.

The reference range for Homocysteine is 5.0 - 12.0 micromoles per liter (µmol/L).

Interpretation

Your healthcare provider will help you interpret the report basis your medical history. Homocysteine levels vary basis your age, gender or medical history.