HOMOCYSTEINE

The Homocysteine Test measures the level of this amino acid in your blood. Unlike standard amino acids, Homocysteine is a byproduct of methionine metabolism and is considered a toxic intermediate.

High levels of Homocysteine are strongly associated with damage to the delicate inner lining of your arteries (endothelium), promoting plaque formation, inflammation, and blood clots. It is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and vascular dementia—meaning high Homocysteine increases risk even if your cholesterol is perfect.

The body relies on three key B Vitamins to break down and recycle Homocysteine: Folate (B9), Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B6. Therefore, high Homocysteine is often a direct indicator of a deficiency in one or more of these vitamins.

Why Do You Need This Test?

The Homocysteine test provides unique insights into metabolic and vascular health, especially in cases of unexplained risk or deficiency:

• Unexplained Vascular Risk: Assessing risk of heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease when traditional markers (Cholesterol, hsCRP) are normal.
• Investigating B-Vitamin Deficiency: Used to determine the functional status of Vitamin B12 and Folate, particularly when standard blood levels of these vitamins are borderline or inconclusive.
• MTHFR Gene Status: Screening patients with a family history of vascular disease or miscarriage for possible MTHFR gene mutations, which impair the body's ability to process Folate and break down Homocysteine.