Homocysteine Test
Introduction
It has long been acknowledged that what goes on inside your body is as crucial to heart health as your level of fitness. While exercise is a great preventer, heart disease does not only strike at the sedentary.
For many years, the measurement of cholesterol levels in the blood has been seen as the clearest indicator of heart and cardio-vascular risk.
More recently it has been discovered that raised levels of ‘homocysteine’ are also indicative of potential problems. Many medical experts believe that measuring your homocysteine is a much better predictor of whether you might be at risk of heart or cardio-vascular disease. It can also show whether you are more likely to be prone to a vast number of other conditions.
Indeed, research shows that a 3-point decrease in homocysteine levels reduces the risk of heart attacks by up to 16%, strokes by 24% and deep vein thrombosis by 25%.
Worried about your heart health?
If you have genuine concerns about your heart or cardiovascular health, we strongly recommend that you visit your doctor for a thorough check up, and to discuss any concerns you have with them.
They may offer you a homocysteine test amongst others, but the NHS does not routinely do so. Therefore we are happy to be able to offer you this test, which can be carried out in the comfort of your own home.
What problems do high homocysteine levels cause?
Your homocysteine level may predict your susceptibility to risk for more than 100 medical conditions including cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, arthritis and some cancers amongst others. It has also been implicated in contributing to problem pregnancies and birth defects, hence the need for pregnant mothers and those planning to conceive to supplement with folic acid.
Excess homocysteine becomes toxic and begins to damage and thicken artery walls, as well as causing blood to clot more readily. Levels above normal have been found in 30-40 % of patients with early cardiovascular disease.
Elevated levels can also interfere with the synthesis of many other vital substances, such as hormones and antioxidants. This then begins to create other problems throughout the body.
Optimum health is about achieving the correct levels of each element your body requires, and the first thing to do is check where your homocysteine levels are right now.
Should I consider a Homocysteine Test?
People at high risk include those with a poor diet, lack of regular exercise, those who are overweight, who smoke, or drink excess amounts of coffee or alcohol. If a number of these factors feature in your lifestyle, then a homocysteine check might be something you could consider.
You should not take the Homocysteine Test if you are suffering with a blood borne disease such as Hepatitis or HIV, or are pregnant. The test is also unsuitable for children, and is only available for those aged eighteen years or older.
What does the homocysteine test involve?
Our Homocysteine Test is an easy to use, simple finger-prick blood test that can be carried out in the comfort of your own home, without the need to go to a clinic or visit a specialist.
When you place an order, a test kit is sent to you in the post, which contains everything you need to collect your blood sample. Once you have collected your sample, you simply post it to our laboratories for analysis.
Your results will usually be sent to you within 10 working days, and will be presented in a clear, understandable format. You will also receive a pack filled with additional information about what actions you could take next.
If you would like a full description of the test procedure, please click here to read what you will need to do.
*Euro value is an estimate only, subject to current exchange rate based on British pounds sterling.
Further Information
What is ‘homocysteine’?
Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid, which, like cholesterol, has a perfectly normal function to perform in a healthy human body. Its job is to metabolise (chemically alter), thus affecting other amino acids and converting them into the forms in which they can best do their work.
The breakdown of Homocysteine is dependent on the presence of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid which allow it to metabolise successfully. A lack of those nutrients can hinder the process, leading to elevated levels of homocysteine remaining in the blood. Other factors that can lead to too much homocysteine remaining in your system are kidney (renal) dysfunction and some side effects from prescribed medicines.
However, lifestyle, supplementation and nutritional choices are key to maintaining healthy homocysteine levels for most people.
Which conditions are associated with high levels of Homocysteine?
There are many conditions that are associated with elevated levels of homocysteine, including:
- cardiovascular disease
- heart attacks
- strokes
- diabetes
- arthritis
- some cancers
- problem pregnancies
- birth defects
It is not known whether high homocysteine levels cause these diseases or whether people with these diseases are less able to metabolise homocysteine. Either way, high levels are indicative of an on-going problem, and need to be tackled.
What action will be needed after the test?
If your homocysteine levels are too high, there are actions you can take to lower them, which might include adjusting your dietary and lifestyle choices. Along with any extra activity and changed eating habits, some supplementation with specific vitamins may be advisable. It is important to re-test your levels two or three times a year to confirm they have reduced.
General technical information
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, Atherothrombotic and Cerebrovascular disease, risk of Heart Attacks, strokes, and Peripheralvascular disease). 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 biosynthesis 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 and 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 may be 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.
*Euro value is an estimate only, subject to current exchange rate based on British pounds sterling.
Test FAQ
How long will it take to receive my results?
Your results will be sent back to you within 10-12 working days, along with relevant advice on supplementation, dietary changes, exercise habits and details of whether you should retest and how often.
What will my test results look like?
Your results will be clearly laid out and easy to understand – to see a sample of how results for this test are presented, click here.
What does the test kit include?
The contents of the test kit will be sent in a strong, secure box. This box will contain:
What are you expecting me to provide you with?
You’ll need to use the finger prick lancets to prick your finger or thumb tip with, so that you can put a few drops of blood onto the plasma separator. When there is enough plasma collected, a blue dye will show through a hole in the top of the separator.
You’ll just need to leave that for five minutes and then peel off the top layer of the separator. Pop it back into the foil wrapper it came in, and put it, together with the used lancets into the box. Complete the form with your details and send that, together with the box containing your sample, back to us in the reply-paid envelope.
How do I complete the test kit?
Full, illustrated instructions are enclosed with your test kit. To see what those instructions look like, click here.
What can I eat or drink before the test?
You need to have fasted (not eaten or drunk anything) for at least six hours before you take your sample. For that reason, we suggest that first thing in the morning, before you have breakfast is the best time to take your sample.
Is it safe to post back my sample?
The box containing your kit, and in which you will return your sample, is very strong – the laboratory have never had any problems in all their years of operating. Follow the instructions for returning your sample and it will be completely safe.
How do I post back my sample?
Just pop the box containing your sample and any returned items (such as the lancets), plus your completed form, into the reply-paid envelope, and post it as normal.
If I am taking medication or nutritional supplements can I still do the test?
If you are taking steroids, immunosuppressant or are pregnant or breast feeding you cannot take any of our tests.
Does the laboratory provide everything needed to do the test?
Yes it does. Everything you need is included in the kit, complete with full instructions. If you have any problems with the contents of the kit, or with understanding the procedure, simply call the Customer Care Line number, which is clearly printed on the instructions.
How quickly do I have to return my blood sample?
Your sample must be posted to the laboratory the same day that you take the test.
Do the finger prick blood tests hurt?
All our tests have been designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. YorkTest’s finger prick blood sampling is much less painful than taking a full blood draw and full instructions are provided to ensure sample taking is as quick and convenient as possible. However if you are concerned a member of the YorkTest Customer Care team will be happy to advise on the best way to take your sample.
Where do you conduct the analysis?
YorkTest operates a state of the art laboratory, which utilises the very latest biotechnology testing facilities.
What is the best technique for taking a good blood sample?
Before taking your sample run warm water over your hand to encourage blood flow, please ensure you dry your hands before taking your sample. Use your index finger, stand upright and press your finger to apply pressure.
What do you do with my blood sample after it has been used?
All samples are destroyed after testing.
Do I have to visit my GP or Medical doctor to take the blood sample?
No, the majority of our test samples can be completed by yourself in the comfort of your own home.
