Homocysteine ​​Values: When and Why to Take the Exam

of the organism.
The control of homocysteine ​​values ​​in the blood (homocysteinemia) allows to diagnose a folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency. Furthermore, high levels of homocysteine ​​in the blood can be related to an increased cardiovascular risk, predisposing to the development of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral vessel disease due to lipid deposits.

), whose metabolism is regulated thanks to the "intervention of enzymes and vitamins. This element derives, in particular, from the demethylation of methionine (an essential amino acid that the body can obtain only from" food).
Once produced within cells, homocysteine ​​is rapidly metabolized and converted into other products. In these processes, the intervention of vitamins B6 and B12 and folates is fundamental, the possible deficiency of which can be highlighted precisely by the "increase in plasma homocysteine. If prolonged over time and not adequately treated, this nutritional deficit can be associated with" increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

or vitamin B12;

Determine the presence of increased cardiovascular risk based on age and the presence of other factors that may predispose to stroke or heart attack.

As part of neonatal screening, if homocystinuria is suspected.