Homocysteine
HCY
Description
"Homocysteine" test measures levels of this amino acid in the blood, which can influence heart and vascular health. Elevated homocysteine may signal increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, or blood clots, and can also point to vitamin B6, B12, or folate deficiencies. Doctors use this test when unexplained symptoms or family history raise concern. Results guide interventions such as nutritional changes or supplements. Monitoring homocysteine helps reduce long-term vascular risk and improve overall cardiovascular care.
Category
Amino Acids, Metabolites
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Plasma
Units
Micromoles Per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Basic Cardiovascular Group, Complete Cardiovascular Group, Basic Inflammation Group, Complete Inflammation Group, Methylation Group, Complete Metabolic Group, Cardio Risk Group, Cognitive Health Group
Test Group Description
Basic Cardiovascular Group: This group includes fundamental tests targeting essential markers related to cardiovascular health, providing foundational insights into cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and other key factors. Basic Inflammation Group: This set of tests helps evaluate the body's inflammatory response, providing valuable information for diagnosing and managing inflammatory conditions. Cardio Risk Group: This group focuses on assessing various markers associated with cardiovascular health and risk factors, aiding in the early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases. Cognitive Health Group: This group of tailored tests is aimed at evaluating cognitive function and assessing markers related to cognitive health, providing valuable insights for cognitive well-being and potential cognitive disorders. Complete Cardiovascular Group: This group contains comprehensive tests for an extensive evaluation of cardiovascular health, providing thorough insights into heart-related conditions beyond basic assessments. Complete Inflammation Group: Extensive tests offer a comprehensive assessment of inflammatory markers, yielding detailed insights into inflammation levels and related health conditions. Complete Metabolic Group: A comprehensive suite of tests designed to evaluate metabolic function, offering detailed insights into various aspects of metabolism and associated health conditions. Methylation Group: Centered on evaluating methylation levels and associated parameters, this group provides insights into methylation processes and their related health implications.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: <7.00 µmol/L
SI Unit: <7.00 µmol/L
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: <15.00 µmol/L
SI Unit: <15.00 µmol/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Alcoholism
Cardiovascular disease (Heart and blood vessel-related conditions)
Folate deficiency
Homocystinuria (Genetic disorder affecting homocysteine metabolism)
Kidney disease
Smoking
Vitamin B6 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Key Reasons For Testing
Cardiovascular Risk: Identifies elevated homocysteine levels linked to cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin Deficiency: Detects deficiencies in B12, B6, and folate affecting homocysteine metabolism.
Cognitive Function: Assesses links between high levels and cognitive decline or dementia.
Renal Health: Monitors kidney function through homocysteine metabolism markers.
Pregnancy Complications: Evaluates risks like preeclampsia and neural tube defects.
Stroke Risk: Predicts stroke risk associated with elevated levels.
Neurological Assessment: Explores potential links with neurological disorders.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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