Biochemistry · Vascular Risk
Homocysteine
An independent risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and dementia — elevated homocysteine damages blood vessel walls and promotes clot formation.
The Hidden Vascular Threat Most Doctors Miss
Homocysteine is a sulphur-containing amino acid that sits at a metabolic crossroads: it can either be converted back to methionine (requiring Vitamin B12 and Folate) or broken down via a separate pathway (requiring Vitamin B6). When these B-vitamins are insufficient — extremely common among Indian vegetarians — homocysteine accumulates to toxic levels in the blood.
Elevated homocysteine is biochemically aggressive: it directly injures the endothelium (the smooth inner lining of blood vessels), promotes oxidative stress, triggers platelet aggregation, and activates clotting factors — creating the perfect environment for premature atherosclerosis, deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, and ischaemic stroke. Unlike cholesterol, high homocysteine can drive arterial damage in relatively young adults — making it critical for anyone with a cardiac or neurological event before age 50.
Reference Ranges
| Level (µmol/L) | Category | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 5–15 µmol/L | Normal | Optimal range |
| 15–30 µmol/L | Moderate Elevation | Increased cardiovascular risk |
| 30–100 µmol/L | Intermediate Elevation | High thrombosis and vascular risk |
| > 100 µmol/L | Severe (Homocystinuria) | Rare genetic disorder |
Who Should Get Tested?
Preparation
8–12 hours of fasting is required as food (especially protein) can temporarily raise homocysteine. Avoid coffee before the test. The sample should be processed within 1 hour of collection — your sample will be handled with care at Velys to ensure accuracy.
Test Price at Velys Hospital
₹150
Inclusive of collection · Same-day report
Book Homocysteine Test at Velys Hospital
Cardiology & Neurology support · Same-day results · Ahmedabad