Homocysteine is a thiol-containing amino acid formed from methionine. Values >15 µmol/L have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.1
Methodology
Enzymatic
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for:1
- Ischemic heart disease
- Fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death
- Premature coronary artery disease
- Extracranial carotid-artery stenosis
- Venous thrombosis
- Stroke
- Peripheral vascular disease
References:
- Clarke R, Halsey J, Lewington S, et al. Eff ects of lowering homocysteine levels with B vitamins on cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cause-specific mortality. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(18):1622-1630.
