Homocysteine ​​| Laboratory research

A homocysteine ​​test measures the amount of homocysteine ​​in a blood sample. Homocysteine ​​is an amino acid.

Normally, homocysteine ​​levels in the blood are low. This is provided by vitamin B12, B6 and folic acid (i.e. B90), which remove homocysteine ​​into other substances needed by the body. A high concentration of homocysteine ​​in the blood indicates a malfunction of these processes and a deficiency of B group vitamins.

A high concentration of homocysteine ​​damages the inner layer of blood vessels - the endothelium and creates a risk of thrombosis, which in turn is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Determination of homocysteine ​​in blood is used

• To diagnose B group vitamin deficiency
• To diagnose homocystinuria. Homocystinuria is a rare genetic disease in which homocysteine ​​is lost and cannot be used in the synthesis of essential cysteine. Symptoms begin in the first months of life, although the full clinical manifestation is observed later. Patients have vision disorders, blood clotting problems, and bone mineralization disorders.
• In the presence of risk factors (arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes), for the diagnostics of diseases of the cardiovascular system, together with routine studies.

When should we take the test?

A homocysteine ​​test is recommended for group B hypovitaminosis if you have the following symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Weakness
• headache
• Heart palpitations
• Change in skin color and nail shape
• Ulcers on the oral mucosa
• Numbness in different parts of the body

It is also necessary to determine homocysteine:

• in malnutrition
• in the elderly (in case of intestinal absorption disorders)
• Alcohol and drug addicts
• Transferred during a heart attack or stroke
• in hypercholesterolemia

Research material

Venous blood

Interpretation of results

High levels of homocysteine ​​in the blood may indicate:

• insufficient consumption of group B vitamins
• presence of homocystinuria
• High risk of developing cardiovascular diseases

An increased level of homocysteine ​​compared to the norm characterizes: osteoporosis, chronic kidney diseases, hypothyroidism, Alzheimer's disease, various types of dementia.

A high level of homocysteine ​​does not always mean the presence of the above-mentioned diseases. When interpreting the indicators, we should take into account:

• age. With aging, homocysteine ​​increases in the blood
• gender. Men have higher homocysteine ​​levels than women. The indicators level off after the age of menopause.
• bad habits. Smoking, alcohol and others.

How to prepare for the test?

The research is carried out on an empty stomach, at least 8-12 hours after the last meal. During the same period, you should stop taking group B drugs.