What is Homocysteine and what is its role? Homocysteine is an amino acid that is synthesized in the body itself. It is a homologue of cysteine, which is also an amino acid. It is synthesized in the body from the...
What is Homocysteine and what is its role?
Homocysteine is an amino acid that is synthesized in the body itself. It is a homologue of cysteine, which is also an amino acid. It is synthesized in the body from the precursor – methionine.
The fate of Homocysteine in the body can be:
- Recycling back to methionine
- It can also be converted to cysteine with the help of vitamins such as B6 (Pyridoxine), B9 (Folate) and B12 (Cobalamin)
How Homocysteine levels increase in the blood?
Elevated level of Homocysteine in blood above the desired normal value is called as Hyperhomocysteinemia. The reasons for Hyperhomocysteinemia can be:
Genetically induced Hyperhomocyteinemia - genetic defects in enzymes involved in conversion of Homocysteine to methionine or cysteine through metabolism. Following genetic defects can be the underlying cause of elevated Homocysteine levels in blood:
- Single nucleotide polymorphism of 5, 10- methylene tetrathydrofolate reductase enzyme
- Point mutation of coding region of MTHFR gene – C677T and A1298C
- Homozygous deficiency of cystathionine-β-synthase
- Homozygous deficiency of MTHFR gene
- Deficiency of methionine synthase enzyme
- Malfunctioning of methionine synthase enzyme
Non-genetic causes of elevated levels of Homocysteine in blood can be:
- Deficiency of B vitamins in diet: vitamin B6, vitamin B9 and vitamin B12. The level of Homocysteine in blood is inversely related to concentrations of B vitamins in blood.
- Rise in serum creatinine is related to rise in fasting total Homocysteine.
- Total Homocysteine levels are higher in patients suffering from chronic renal disease as elimination of Homocysteine from plasma is done by kidneys.
- Drugs that interfere with B vitamins metabolism cause an abnormal increase in plasma Homocysteine concentration.
Other diseased conditions and factors that can lead to elevated Homocysteine levels in blood are:
What is role of Homocysteine in development of cardiac problems?
The elevation in levels of plasma Homocysteine levels is linked to the development of cardiovascular problems. It can be due to the following possibilities due to increased levels of Homocysteine in blood:
- Endothelial cell damage (vascular endothelium)
- Blood vessels flexibility is reduced (smooth muscle damage)
- Atherosclerosis
- Alteration of haemostasis
Homocysteine elevation for a long duration can result in the following cardiovascular and nervous complications:
- Myocardial Infarction
- Heart Failure
- Stroke
- Claudication
- Cognitive impairment
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Blood clots
- Osteoporosis
It should be noted that Hyperhomocyteinemia is an independent factor affecting atherosclerosis, but in other complications, Hyperhomocyteinemia increases the risk factor, such as in hypertension, smoking, lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, as well as promotion of the development of inflammation.
What is Homocysteine test?
Homocysteine test is a serological test that measures the total Homocysteine level present in blood sample.
What other tests are done for cardiac problems along with Homocysteine test?
Along with Homocysteine blood test, test for identifying common mutations in MTHFR gene, such as C677T and A1298C, that affect levels of Homocysteine in blood.
MTHFR Mutation Detection at 3520 2640INR
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Which diagnostic facility is the best for getting Homocysteine test?
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is the best option for getting all types of routine examination, diagnostic tests and imaging done.
When it comes to pathology testing, it is advised to choose a trusted and established diagnostic lab due to safety reasons. Hence, Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre are the best for getting Homocysteine test done.
Homocysteine tests available at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre:
Homocysteine Quantitative, Serum at 1170 585INR
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You can also opt for our Heart Fitness Package that assesses your overall heart health at a reasonable price:
GDIC Heart Fitness Package at 3570 1428INR
This package includes:
- CBC/ Hemogram
- Blood Glucose Test includes –
- Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)
- Postprandial Blood Sugar (PP)
- HbA1c Test
- Serum Homocysteine Level
- HS-CRP Test
- Lipid Profile Test, which includes the following parameters –
- SGOT/AST
- SGPT/ALT
- ALP
- Serum Bilirubin Total
- Serum Bilirubin Direct
- Serum Bilirubin Indirect
- Total protein
- Serum Albumin
- Serum Globulin
- Albumin/Globulin Ratio (A/G ratio)
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Why choose Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre for the Homocysteine test?
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades. Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
It is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.
NABH accreditation is proof of the highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
The facility for Pathology testing operates 24x7, 365 days, providing service to patients round the clock!
Free home sample collection and digitally available test report enables patients to get tests done at the comfort of their homes.
All safety precautions are taken while the collection and transportation of samples. Samples are collected in a hassle-free manner, labelled correctly and transported back to the lab safely.
Test report is generated within 24 hours of sample collection, therefore reducing the gap between diagnosis and treatment effectively.
Test report is available digitally too.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price.
The rates of tests are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
Patients can rely upon test reports as reports are 100% accurate.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre have a skilled staff of radiologists, pathologists and technicians.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is empanelled with various prestigious government and private organizations such as:
- CGHS NHA
- NCDC
- NDMC
- DGEHS
- ECHS
- DELHI JAL BOARD
- DAK
- RAILWAYS
- BSES YAMUNA/ RAJDHANI POWER LTD
- TATA POWER LTD
- BJRM HOSPITAL
- ICAR
- BHAGWAN MAHAVIR GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL
- MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to Homocysteine test:
How is Homocysteine test performed?
A phlebotomist will take venous blood sample from your arm using a needle, after sanitizing the area on your arm. He/she will collect the required amount of blood. The sample will be labeled properly by writing your name, date and place of sample collection to avoid confusion and intermixing of samples. The sample will be sent to the lab for testing.
How to prepare for Homocysteine test?
There is no special preparation required before getting Homocysteine test. Let your doctor know about your medication and medical history, so that the doctor can inform you about any medication or dietary choice to avoid before taking the test.
What are the risks involved in getting Homocysteine test?
No, there are no risks involved in getting Homocysteine blood test done. It is like any other serological test, the only discomfort you may feel is the sting of needle at the time of blood sample collection. It is a non-invasive and safe procedure.
How to read Homocysteine test report?
The normal level of Homocysteine varies depending on age, gender, medical history and it also varies depending upon the method used to assess the levels (HPLC or immunoassays).
Diagnostic labs provide biological reference ranges for levels of Homocysteine in blood and slight variations may be found in these ranges.
Hence, it is very important to consult your doctor for getting an informed diagnosis about your health!
The following range can be referred for getting an idea of normal Homocysteine level:
5-15 μmol/L – Healthy/Normal
16-30 μmol/L – Moderate level
31-100 μmol/L – Intermediate Level
>100 μmol/L – Hyperhomocyteinemia
What are the symptoms of high Homocysteine levels in body?
The symptoms that give an indication towards higher Homocysteine levels are generally symptoms of vitamin B deficiency, such as:
Vitamin B6 deficiency symptoms –
- Skin rashes
- Tiredness
- Impaired immune response
- Cracked lip corners
- Swollen tongue
- Difficulty in concentrating
Vitamin B9 deficiency symptoms –
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Swollen tongue
- Sores in mouth
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms –
- Shortness of breath
- Digestive problems
- Palpitations
- Loss of appetite
- Impaired vision
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Weak muscles
- Dizziness
- Pale skin
When should I get the Homocysteine test done?
Your doctor will prescribe this test if:
- You have symptoms of vitamin B6, B9 and B12 deficiency
- You are at high risk of cardiovascular issues such as cardiac failure or stroke
- You have family history of Hyperhomocyteinemia
You are suspected to have genetic mutation in MTHFR gene
