Homocysteine is an amino acid that plays a major role in cellular metabolism and protein synthesis. In the blood stream, homocysteine is broken down by vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid into other useful substances. When there is a deficiency of these vitamins, the level of homocysteine in the blood rises abnormally. This can cause complications such as cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, dementia, polycystic ovary syndrome and stroke. Elevated homocysteine levels can be detected by performing a simple blood test. If the concentration of homocysteine in the blood is more than 15 micromoles per litre, then it is considered elevated. This condition is called hyperhomocysteinemia. The general physician may perform more tests to identify the underlying cause of this condition. Typically, the treatment includes dietary supplements, switching to a heart healthy diet, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption.
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a condition in which a patient suffers from abnormally high levels of homocysteine in the blood. The accepted normal level of homocysteine in the blood is 15 micro moles per litre, and levels above this are considered abnormal. Elevated homocysteine levels may indicate that the patient has a deficiency of certain vitamins, specifically B6, B12 and folic acid. High levels of homocysteine in the blood can increase your risk of health conditions like osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Hyperhomocysteinemia can also occur due to homocystinuria, a genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to process certain amino acids properly.
Homocysteine is an amino acid. It is a sulphur-containing amino acid and plays a major role in cellular metabolism and protein synthesis. Vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid quickly break down homocysteine in the blood and transform it into other substances the body requires. High levels of homocysteine in your blood may indicate that this process isn’t taking place adequately, or that your body is deficient in vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid.
The average adult has less than 15 micromoles of homocysteine per litre of blood. Anything above this concentration is considered a high level of homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine levels are categorised as follows:
Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood can damage the inside of the arteries and increase your risk of forming blood clots. This increases your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, blood vessel disorders and other heart diseases. There is also scientific evidence to indicate that high levels of homocysteine in the blood is associated with mild cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Elevated homocysteine has also been linked to higher chances of fractures in elderly people. It can also enhance the adverse effects of high blood pressure and smoking.
The symptoms of hyperhomocysteinemia can vary from person to person, and range from mild to severe. Most symptoms are non-specific to this condition and include:
The most common cause of elevated homocysteine levels is a deficiency of vitamins B6, B12 or folic acid. The body needs these vitamins to break down homocysteine into other useful substances. Some people have a higher risk of these deficiencies, such as:
High homocysteine levels are not always a sign of a medical condition. Sometimes they are caused due to:
High homocysteine levels in the blood over time can increase your risk of developing the following conditions:
A 2017 meta-analysis found that elevated homocysteine levels are associated with a higher risk of mortality from any underlying disease.
There is a simple blood test to measure the concentration of homocysteine in the blood. The general physician may recommend this test if they detect unexplained blood clots or if you have a high risk of heart disease. The test can also help diagnose vitamin B6, B12 and folate deficiencies.
Before the blood test, the doctor may ask you to fast for 8-12 hours, and to avoid taking any medication or dietary supplements during this time period. To perform the blood test, the doctor will draw a blood sample, and separate the red blood cells from the plasma in a centrifuge. The plasma is then tested to determine the concentration of homocysteine. If the homocysteine level is found to be high, the doctor may recommend additional tests to determine the underlying cause.
Medical experts do not recommend routine homocysteine tests to screen for heart disease in everyone.
The treatment protocol for elevated homocysteine depends on the underlying cause. If the condition is caused by a vitamin deficiency, the doctor may recommend dietary changes and supplements to help bring the vitamin levels up to normal.
The following nutrient supplements may be recommended:
The doctor may also suggest the following steps to help reduce overall risk of heart disease:
Typically, a follow-up homocysteine test will be taken a few months after starting treatment to ensure the homocysteine levels are coming down into the normal range.
Manage hyperhomocysteinemia effectively with expert care at Kauvery Hospital. With locations in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, our multidisciplinary team offers comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to ensure your health and well-being. Reach out today for a consultation and take the first step toward better heart health.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
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