Homocysteine

• If you have a family history of heart disease or stroke.
• If your healthcare provider has recommended a more in-depth assessment of your cardiovascular risk factors.
• As part of a proactive health screening to monitor markers associated with heart health.
• If you are looking to understand potential contributing factors to your cardiovascular well-being.

• Individuals with a family history of heart disease or stroke.
• Those concerned about their long-term cardiovascular health.
• Individuals with existing risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
• People seeking a more comprehensive assessment of their heart health beyond traditional lipid panels.
• Individuals evaluating their nutritional status related to B vitamins (B6, B12, Folate) as these impact homocysteine metabolism.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment

The Homocysteine test is primarily used as an additional marker for assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
• Stroke
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
• Venous Thrombosis

Nutritional Deficiencies Impacting Metabolism

While not a diagnostic test for these, persistently elevated homocysteine levels can sometimes indicate functional deficiencies in key B vitamins that are crucial for its breakdown:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Folate (Vitamin B9) deficiency
• Vitamin B6 deficiency

This is especially relevant in individuals with genetic variations, such as MTHFR polymorphisms, which can impair folate metabolism and lead to higher homocysteine levels.

Understanding homocysteine levels aids healthcare providers in formulating comprehensive strategies for risk reduction and targeted nutritional support where appropriate.