About the Test: The homocysteine test measures the amount of the amino acid, homocysteine, in the blood. You may have high levels of homocysteine when cholesterol, white blood cells, calcium, and other substances (plaque) build up in your blood vessels. This buildup may increase your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, and blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep veins of the legs (deep venous thrombosis).
Homocysteine testing may be most useful in checking the overall risk of heart disease for people who have a strong personal or family history of heart disease but who do not have other risk factors that can be controlled, such as smoking or high blood pressure. Homocysteine testing also may be useful for people who have early heart disease but who do not have known risk factors and for people who have had unexplained deep vein thrombosis or stroke.
Preparation: Fast 12 hours prior to the blood draw. If you are diabetic or pregnant, however, do not fast unless approved by your physician. Fasting means abstaining from food and non-water drinks. While fasting, you should drink plenty of water and continue with any prescribed medications.
For more Information on any of your lab test results
- Consult your physician
- Review the information on the independent, non-profit web site: labtestsonline.org.
These are not intended as diagnostic comments, but only to give you sufficient information for further discussion with your physician. It is important that you promptly consult your physician regarding any abnormal findings.
code: 706994
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