Homocysteine (HCY) (603)

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:

1. 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.