Homocysteine
Understand Homocysteine levels for cardiovascular and stroke risk evaluation. Monitor amino acid markers for heart health optimization.
What is Homocysteine?
Homocysteine is an amino acid produced during protein metabolism, specifically when methionine is broken down. Elevated levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cognitive decline. B vitamins (B6, B12, and folate) help convert homocysteine to harmless substances.
Why is it Tested?
Doctors test homocysteine to assess cardiovascular disease risk, investigate unexplained blood clots or stroke, evaluate cognitive decline, and check for vitamin B deficiencies. It’s particularly useful in patients with family history of heart disease or premature vascular events.
Normal Ranges
Reference ranges for homocysteine:
- Normal: 5–15 μmol/L
Some laboratories use slightly different ranges, and optimal levels for cardiovascular health are often considered <10 μmol/L.
Reference ranges vary by authority. Track yours across multiple standards with automatic unit conversions in LabsVault.
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Abnormal results are not a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
Low Homocysteine
Very low levels are generally not concerning and may indicate:
- Adequate B vitamin status
- Good protein metabolism
High Homocysteine
Elevated levels may indicate:
- Increased cardiovascular disease risk
- Vitamin B12, B6, or folate deficiency
- Kidney disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Certain genetic variants
- Some medications
How to Track Over Time
Homocysteine levels respond to B vitamin supplementation and dietary changes. Tracking helps assess cardiovascular risk reduction interventions and monitor vitamin supplementation effectiveness. Declining levels suggest successful risk reduction strategies.
Track your Homocysteine results over time
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