Further Information

Whilst we strongly recommend you approach the GP for a thorough assessment of your cardiovascular system we do recognise that in some circumstances this may not be an appropriate option. If this is the situation then we are able to offer you a test known as the

Homocysteine Test

The total homocysteine level in plasma is widely implicated in a variety of clinical conditions and is an independent risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke or peripheral vascular disease (fatty deposits in peripheral arteries).

Assessing homocysteine provides a new possibility for primary prevention when investigating the risk to cardiovascular disease and many chronic diseases. The metabolism of homocysteine is dependant on an adequate supply of certain key nutrients especially vitamin B12, B6 and folic acid. This test can therefore provide valuable information about nutritional status relating to these nutrients.

The list below covers the many conditions that are associated with elevated levels of homocysteine.

• Alcoholism
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cognitive decline
• Coronary artery disease
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Depression
• Diabetic retino/nephropathy
• Intermittent claudication
• Multiple sclerosis
• Myocardial infarction
• Neural tube defects
• Non- insulin dependent diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Placental abruption
• Renal failure
• Retinal vascular occlusion
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Schizophrenia
• Spontaneous abortion
• Stroke

Homocysteine is an intermediate in the conversion of the amino acid Methionine to Cysteine and is a product of how much Methionine is eaten. Methionine is found mainly in animal and plant protein. The metabolism of homocysteine requires vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid and is greatly influenced by enzyme function, lifestyle choices, nutritional status, renal function and pharmaceutical effects.

A person’s homocysteine result may predict the risk of more than 100 medical conditions, including an increased risk of premature death from various causes (for example: cardiovascular disease, Atherothronbotic and Cerebrovascular disease, risk of Heart Attacks, strokes, and Peripheralvascular disease). It can even be used as an indicator of how quickly a person will age. The lower the homocysteine result, the better the body is at keeping the balance of this biochemical function. However, levels below 4.5 may be regarded as too low and show an increased demand for Glutathione, either due to excessive oxidative damage or an increased toxic load on the liver.

Elevated levels can impact on all methyl and sulphur group metabolism and negatively impact on bio-synthesis of many vital intermediates, such as hormones and antioxidants. High levels of homocysteine can cause cholesterol to alter into oxidised Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) which damages the arteries. It also causes blood to clot more readily, causing an increased risk to blood vessel blockages which may contribute to Cardiovascular Disease, heart attacks. Strokes an other associated diseases.

Elevated homocysteine levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in a similar way to smoking or high cholesterol levels. Levels above normal have been found in 30-40 % of patients with early cardiovascular disease.

The advantage of testing Homocysteine is that levels can be lowered and greatly influenced by dietary and lifestyle choices. However, when this alone is not sufficient supplementation with specific vitamins maybe required. Therefore, it is important to re-test homocysteine levels 2 or 3 times a year to confirm homocysteine levels are reducing and the treatment protocol is correct to reduce the risk of Cardiovascular Disease, heart attacks, strokes and other associated diseases.

Technical information:

Method: Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA)
Sample requirements: A 10ml blood sample taken by an authorised physician. The sample must be centrifuged and separated within 30 minutes of being taken.
Patient requirements: There are no special requirements necessary before this test.
Analytes measured: Homocysteine

Homocysteine Test