Homocysteine

Test Overview

A 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).

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 20, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
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