What is a Homocysteine Test?

Generally, homocysteine breaks down into other substances and a small amount of homocysteine remains in the blood. Some conditions interfere with this mechanism, resulting in high levels of homocysteine in the blood. If the results of the test show high homocysteine levels, it may indicate: 

1. Low levels of Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9 and/or Vitamin B12 in regular diet
2. A higher risk of cardiovascular diseases
3. Homocystinuria

An abnormal level of homocysteine does not necessarily imply you should have a medical condition that needs treatment. There are other factors as well that can affect the results: 

1. Homocysteine levels can get higher as you grow old 
2. Men usually have higher levels of homocysteine compared to women 
3. Excessive alcohol intake
4. Smoking
5. High use of Vitamin B supplements

This test would be needed if you are facing symptoms of Vitamin B deficiency, such as: 

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Muscular weakness
• Pale skin
• Sore tongue and mouth
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Tingling, numbness and/or burning sensation in feet, hands and arms 
• Breathlessness
• Changes in personality
• Rapid heart rate

A homocysteine test is a simple blood test in which a blood sample would be taken from the vein of the upper arm with a simple needle, which is then collected in a test tube or vial. You could feel a slight sting when the needle is inserted and taken out. The entire process takes less than 5 to 10 minutes.

Generally, the homocysteine levels in the blood are in very small quantities. The standard range of homocysteine is less than 15 mcmol/l (micromoles per litre). The higher levels of homocysteine are usually divided into three categories based on the severity:

1. Moderate – 15 to 30 mcmol/l
2. Intermediate – 30 to 100 mcmol/l
3. Severe–>100mcmol/l

Homocysteine levels can be brought down through dietary changes and by taking Vitamin B supplements. However, a doctor may still continue to monitor a person for signs of heart disease or other health conditions.

Eating sources of Vitamin B found in fruits and green leafy vegetables like spinach could be useful in reducing homocysteine levels. Many breakfast cereals, fortified grain products, lentils, asparagus, potatoes, bananas, chickpeas, lentils etc. are also rich sources of vitamins. Dairy products and meat, which are good sources of Vitamin B12, are also useful in reducing homocysteine levels.

Various research conducted have indicated that physical exercises do have an impact on the levels of homocysteine in the blood. However, no such studies have been performed to determine the impact that the intensity and duration of such physical exercises may have on the homocysteine levels.

This test could be needed, especially if you are at a high risk of heart disease because of previous heart problems or a family history of heart disease. Excessive levels of homocysteine can build up in the arteries, which may increase your risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.

Homocysteine elevated levels can be seen in: 

1. Vitamin deficiency
2. Osteoporosis
3. Homocystinuria
4. Venous thrombosis
5. Dementia
6. Stroke
7. Atherosclerosis
8. Ischemic heart disease

If high levels of homocysteine are seen, more testing would be required to rule out or confirm a particular diagnosis.

Get a free second opinion from our experts at Yashoda Hospitals today.