Question 1

What is Hyperhomocysteinemia?

Accepted Answer

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a condition characterized by elevated levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood that can increase cardiovascular risk. It is caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate, which are essential cofactors for converting homocysteine into other amino acids. The Vitamin B12 and Folates test is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures both nutrients simultaneously to identify the underlying cause.

Question 2

What causes hyperhomocysteinemia?

Accepted Answer

Hyperhomocysteinemia is caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate, which are essential nutrients that help your body break down homocysteine. When you do not get enough of these B vitamins through diet or your body cannot absorb them properly, homocysteine accumulates in your bloodstream. Genetic factors affecting enzymes like MTHFR can also contribute to elevated homocysteine levels, though nutritional deficiencies are the most common cause.

Question 3

What is the best test for hyperhomocysteinemia?

Accepted Answer

The Vitamin B12 and Folates test is the most important test for hyperhomocysteinemia because it measures both critical nutrients that regulate homocysteine metabolism in a single panel. This comprehensive test identifies whether vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, or both are causing your elevated homocysteine levels. For a more detailed assessment of long-term folate status, the Folate, RBC test measures folate stored within red blood cells, providing insight into your folate levels over the past three months rather than just recent intake.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hyperhomocysteinemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have a family history of heart disease or stroke, especially at a young age. Testing is also important if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, as these eating patterns can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. You should consider testing if you have conditions that affect nutrient absorption like Crohn's disease or celiac disease, take medications that interfere with B vitamin absorption, or have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease without obvious risk factors like high cholesterol or smoking.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hyperhomocysteinemia?

Accepted Answer

Hyperhomocysteinemia itself typically causes no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, over time you might experience symptoms related to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, including fatigue, weakness, pale skin, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. Severe or long-standing hyperhomocysteinemia increases your risk of blood clots, which can cause sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain or swelling, or symptoms of stroke like facial drooping and slurred speech.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hyperhomocysteinemia?

Accepted Answer

You are at higher risk for hyperhomocysteinemia if you are vegetarian or vegan, as plant-based diets lack vitamin B12 found primarily in animal products. Older adults are at increased risk because stomach acid production decreases with age, reducing B12 absorption. People with digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or those who have had gastric bypass surgery have difficulty absorbing B vitamins. You also have elevated risk if you take certain medications including metformin for diabetes, proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux, or if you have kidney disease or genetic variations in the MTHFR gene.

Question 7

What happens if hyperhomocysteinemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hyperhomocysteinemia significantly increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes, even at relatively young ages. Elevated homocysteine damages the lining of blood vessels, promotes blood clot formation, and accelerates atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Over time, this can lead to peripheral artery disease causing leg pain with walking, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and cognitive decline or dementia. Pregnant women with untreated hyperhomocysteinemia have increased risk of pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, placental abruption, and birth defects.

Question 8

Can hyperhomocysteinemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hyperhomocysteinemia can be diagnosed with blood tests that measure homocysteine levels directly, though identifying the underlying cause is equally important for treatment. The Vitamin B12 and Folates test and the Folate, RBC test identify nutritional deficiencies causing elevated homocysteine. A direct homocysteine blood test measures the actual amount of homocysteine in your blood, with levels above 15 micromoles per liter generally considered elevated. Your doctor may also recommend genetic testing for MTHFR mutations if nutritional causes have been ruled out.

Question 9

How is hyperhomocysteinemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Hyperhomocysteinemia is treated primarily through supplementation with vitamin B12, folate, and sometimes vitamin B6, which work together to lower homocysteine levels. Your doctor will prescribe specific doses based on your blood test results, typically starting with daily supplements of 400-1000 micrograms of folate and 500-1000 micrograms of vitamin B12. If you have absorption problems, vitamin B12 injections may be necessary instead of oral supplements. Dietary changes to include more leafy green vegetables, fortified cereals, eggs, meat, and fish support treatment, and your doctor will retest your levels after several months to ensure the treatment is working.

Question 10

How can I prevent hyperhomocysteinemia?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent hyperhomocysteinemia by eating a balanced diet rich in B vitamins, including leafy green vegetables, legumes, fortified cereals, eggs, poultry, fish, and dairy products. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, take a vitamin B12 supplement regularly since this vitamin is not available from plant sources. Limit alcohol consumption, as excessive drinking interferes with folate metabolism and increases homocysteine levels. If you are over 50, consider taking a B-complex supplement since stomach acid production decreases with age, and avoid smoking, which depletes folate and raises homocysteine levels.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with hyperhomocysteinemia?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches to support healthy homocysteine levels include eating foods rich in folate like spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, lentils, and chickpeas daily. Include vitamin B12-rich foods such as eggs, salmon, tuna, chicken, and yogurt in your regular diet, or nutritional yeast if you are vegan. Green tea contains compounds that may help lower homocysteine levels naturally. However, dietary changes alone may not be sufficient if you have significant deficiencies or absorption problems, so supplementation is typically necessary. Always work with your healthcare provider to monitor your levels and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Hyperhomocysteinemia Blood Test

What is Hyperhomocysteinemia?

What causes hyperhomocysteinemia?

What is the best test for hyperhomocysteinemia?

When should I get tested for hyperhomocysteinemia?

References

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