When to have a homocysteine ​​level test? & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is homocysteine?

Homocysteine ​​is one of 20 amino acids (molecules the body needs to synthesize all the body's proteins). It is not possible to get homocysteine ​​from food, so it must be made from amino acids that can be consumed in food, such as methionine (found in meat, fish and dairy products). Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12, and folic acid are needed to help this reaction occur.

Increased homocysteine ​​levels are associated with heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. If a person develops one of these diseases and does not increase risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, then physicists often look at more unusual causes and risks including checking homocysteine ​​levels in the blood.

When should I take homocysteine?

Babies' blood and urine are often checked for elevated homocysteine ​​levels if they have a family history of the disease or if they have certain medical conditions including eye lens dislocation, unusual body shape (Marfan's type), mental retardation), or signs of stroke. Young adults who have had early-stage heart attacks, or blood clots are often checked for clotting abnormalities including a blood homocysteine ​​test.

Homocysteine ​​levels are also measured more frequently if the patient has had a heart attack or stroke and does not have risk factors for the disease (smoking high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes).

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before taking homocysteine?

A urine test may be done to help detect and monitor homocystinuria. However, the blood test is more accurate. If a person has a family history of early atherosclerosis or a family member has been diagnosed with homocystinuria, then that person should be tested for gene mutations found in family members.

Homocysteine ​​levels can increase with age, when people smoke, and with the use of drugs such as carbamazepine, methotrexate, and phenytoin. Homocysteine ​​levels are lower in women than men. Women's concentrations increase after menopause, possibly due to reduced production of estrogen

Process

What should I do before taking homocysteine?

Do not eat or drink anything (other than water) for at least 8 hours before the test. Many drugs may affect the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking. Talk to your doctor about the need for the test, the risks, how to do it, or what the test results mean.

How does homocysteine ​​process?

The doctor will clean a small area on the arm or elbow with an antiseptic cloth or alcohol pad. In some cases, the doctor will tie an elastic band around your upper arm to increase blood flow. This makes collecting blood from the arteries much easier. Your arm will then be pierced with a needle that the doctor inserts into the vein. The tube that will collect blood is attached to the other end of the needle.

Once the blood is drawn, the doctor will take a needle and then use a cotton cloth and bandage to stop the bleeding from the needle pricked skin.

What should I do after taking homocysteine?

You can return to normal activities after the test is complete. You will be notified when you can collect the test results. The doctor will explain what your test results mean. You must follow the doctor's instructions.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

The normal values ​​listed here — called reference ranges — are for guidance only. This range varies from laboratory to laboratory, and your laboratory may have a different range than normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. In addition, your doctor will assess your results based on your health and other factors. This means values ​​that fall outside of the normal ranges listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.

Normal:

0.54-23 mg / l or 4-17 micromoles per liter (mcmol / l)

Many conditions can affect homocysteine ​​levels. The doctor will discuss with you any abnormal test results related to your symptoms and medical conditions in the past.

High marks

High homocysteine ​​values ​​may be due to:

• not getting enough folic acid, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12 in your diet
• other conditions or diseases such as homocystinuria, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, Alzheimer's disease, or certain cancers
• drinking too much alcohol
• gender. Homocysteine ​​levels are normally higher in men than in women
• age. Homocysteine ​​levels increase with age

Low marks

Low homocysteine ​​values ​​may be due to several medications or vitamins such as daily folic acid, vitamin B12, or niacin.