Homocysteine

Homocysteine - An elevated concentration of homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
When used in conjunction with methylmalonic acid (MMA), these tests are useful to diagnose and monitor vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and folic acid deficiency and are often useful in evaluating macrocytosis (an elevated MCV, an erythrocytic index).

Usually vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folic acid break down the homocysteine and change it into other substances your body needs. There should be very little homocysteine left in the bloodstream.

Elevated levels of homocysteine are observed in patients at risk for coronary heart disease and stroke. The Homocysteine Test will measure the level of homocysteine which is an amino acid in the blood. A high level of blood serum homocysteine can increase the risk of a cardiovascular event mostly combined with other risk factors such as diabetes ,obesity, hypertension, damage to the blood vessel walls especially the arteries.