Description
Dr. Bob’s Lab Testing Notes: I am pleased to offer this test because we have seen it be a marker to help one’s heart health
Test Details
Use
Screen patients who may be at risk for heart disease and stroke
Limitations
This test is not intended for use in the diagnosis of folate or vitamin B12 deficiency.
Methodology
Enzymatic
Reference Interval
0.0−15.0 μmol/L
Additional Information
Severe homocysteinemia is typically caused by a rare inborn error of metabolism.1,2 The most common defect that can produce levels >100 μmol/L is homozygous cystathionine-β-synthase (CS) deficiency, which occurs with an incidence of 1 per 300,000 live births. About 1% of the population has heterozygous CS deficiency, a condition that typically results in moderate to intermediate hyperhomocysteinemia. Individuals with CS deficiency are at increased risk for occlusive vascular disease.1,2 Individuals with a thermolabile variant of the enzyme methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase can have high normal to moderately elevated levels of homocysteine.1,2 Homocysteine can be considered to be an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease.1-3 Patients with cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and thromboembolic disease generally have higher homocysteine levels than matched controls. The results of a large number of epidemiological studies have been analyzed through a meta-analysis.1 The increased risk, or odds ratio (OR), for coronary artery disease in patients with increased homocysteine levels was estimated to be 1.7. The OR for stroke was estimated to be 2.5 and the OR for peripheral vascular disease was estimated to be 6.8. Several conditions, other than specific genetic defects or cardiovascular disease, have been associated with hyperhomocysteinemia.1 These include vitamin deficiency, advanced age, hypothyroidism, impaired kidney function, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Medications including nicotinic acid, theophylline, methotrexate, and L-dopa have been reported to cause elevated homocysteine levels.
Footnotes
1. Malinow MR, Bostom AG, Krauss RM. Homocyst(e)ine, diet, and cardiovascular diseases: A statement for healthcare professionals from the nutrition committee, American Heart Association. Circulation. 1999; 99(1):178-182.PubMed 9884399
2. Clarke R, Stansbie D. Assessment of homocysteine as a cardiovascular risk factor in clinical practice. Ann Clin Biochem. 2001; 38(Pt 6):624-632.PubMed 11732645
3. Herrmann W. The importance of hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for diseases: An overview. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2001; 39(8):666-674.PubMed 11592431
Upon completion, a short review with Dr. Bob will be given.
New Consultation & Lab Test Policy (EFFECTIVE AUG 2021): At this time, we are only servicing online consultations and lab tests with individuals located in the U.S. Thank you for your understanding.
