Description
A homocysteine blood test measures the amount of homocysteine in your blood. It can help determine if you have a vitamin deficiency, diagnose a rare genetic disease, or assess your risk for heart disease.
Vitamin deficiency
- A homocysteine test can help determine if you have a deficiency in vitamin B6, B9, or B12. These vitamins break down homocysteine, so low levels can increase homocysteine levels.
- High levels of homocysteine can be caused by low levels of vitamin B6, B9, or B12.
Genetic disease
- A homocysteine test can help diagnose homocystinuria, a rare genetic disease that prevents the body from using an amino acid to make proteins. Symptoms include blood clots, weak bones, and eyesight problems.
- Most newborns in the U.S. are routinely screened for homocystinuria.
Heart disease risk
- A homocysteine test can help determine your risk for heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. High levels of homocysteine can damage artery linings and increase the risk of blood clots.
- A homocysteine test may be ordered if you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
Fasting not required.
