Homocysteine Blood Test

HOMOCYSTEINE BLOOD TEST

Homocysteine is an amino acid that your body produces. In order for the body to use it, homocysteine is broken down into other substances that the body needs. This process involves B vitamins such as vitamin B12 and folic acid and therefore high levels of homocysteine may be a sign that you are deficient in these vitamins.

Taking B vitamin supplements usually brings down your levels of homocysteine effectively.

High levels of homocysteine are also thought to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. High levels of homocysteine may therefore increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Currently, there is no clear evidence that reducing your homocysteine levels reduces your risk of heart attacks and strokes, but finding that you have high levels of homocysteine should prompt you to address other cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, being overweight, high cholesterol and diabetes.

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