The Homocysteine test is an advanced blood test used to assess your risk for heart disease, stroke, and abnormal blood clotting. While cholesterol testing looks at fat levels in the blood, homocysteine testing reveals damage occurring inside the blood vessels — often long before symptoms appear.
Elevated homocysteine is now recognized as an independent cardiovascular risk factor, meaning it can increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and pregnancy complications even when cholesterol and blood pressure are normal.
What Is Homocysteine?
Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid produced during the breakdown of methionine, an amino acid found in protein-rich foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy products.
Under normal conditions, homocysteine is converted into other harmless compounds using:
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B6
- Folate (Vitamin B9)
When these vitamins are deficient — or when genetic enzyme defects are present — homocysteine accumulates in the blood and begins damaging the inner lining of blood vessels.
What Is a Homocysteine Test?
A Homocysteine test is a blood test that measures the amount of homocysteine in plasma or serum. It is commonly used to evaluate:
- Cardiovascular risk
- Stroke risk
- Blood clotting disorders
- Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency
- Recurrent miscarriage
Why Do Doctors Order a Homocysteine Test?
Doctors may recommend this test if you have:
- A heart attack or stroke at a young age
- Recurrent blood clots
- Family history of early cardiovascular disease
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
- Kidney disease
- Normal cholesterol but unexplained vascular disease
Normal Homocysteine Levels
| Level (µmol/L) | Meaning |
| Less than 10 | Normal |
| 10–15 | Mildly elevated |
| 15–30 | Moderately elevated |
| Over 30 | Severely elevated (high risk) |
Higher levels mean greater damage to blood vessels and increased clotting risk.
What Causes High Homocysteine?
The most common causes include:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Folate deficiency
- Vitamin B6 deficiency
- Smoking
- Kidney disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Certain medications (anti-seizure drugs, methotrexate)
- Genetic mutations (such as MTHFR)
- High intake of animal protein with low vegetable consumption
Health Risks of High Homocysteine
Elevated homocysteine increases the risk of:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Peripheral artery disease
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Cognitive decline
- High blood pressure
How Is the Homocysteine Test Performed?
- Blood is drawn from a vein
- Fasting for 8–12 hours is recommended
- Vitamin B supplements may need to be stopped before testing
- Results are available within 24–48 hours
Can High Homocysteine Be Treated?
Yes. In most patients, levels can be safely lowered through:
1. Vitamin therapy
- Folic acid
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B6
2. Lifestyle changes
- Quit smoking
- Eat more leafy greens
- Reduce red meat
- Exercise regularly
3. Treating underlying conditions
Such as kidney disease or thyroid disorders.
When Is High Homocysteine Dangerous?
Medical intervention is strongly recommended when:
- Levels exceed 15 µmol/L
- Blood clots have occurred
- Pregnancy complications exist
- Cardiovascular disease is present
Homocysteine vs Cholesterol
| Homocysteine | Cholesterol |
| Measures vascular injury | Measures blood fat |
| Predicts clotting risk | Predicts plaque buildup |
| Influenced by vitamins | Influenced by diet |
| May be high even when cholesterol is normal | May be normal despite clot risk |
Both tests provide complementary information and should be evaluated together.
Homocysteine Test Price at El Safa Laboratory
The cost of the Homocysteine test at El Safa Laboratory ranges from approximately EGP 700 to EGP 950, ensuring high-quality service and the use of modern, advanced laboratory equipment.
El Safa Laboratory also offers the Homocysteine test as part of a comprehensive heart and vascular health package, providing a cost-effective way to assess the health of the heart, arteries, and blood vessels.
Best Laboratory for Homocysteine Testing in Egypt
If you live in Cairo, Nasr City, or any major city, you can have the test performed at El Safa Laboratory, which provides high-quality diagnostic services, precise laboratory testing, home sample collection, and results delivered via WhatsApp.
Contact El Safa Laboratory
- WhatsApp: +201030903637
- Phone: +201030903637
- Email: Available upon request
- Address: End of Mostafa El-Nahas Street, above Carrefour Market, 6 Mehdi Arafa Street, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of high homocysteine?
High homocysteine usually does not cause direct symptoms, but it can lead to serious complications such as sudden blood clots, chest pain, memory problems, tingling in the limbs, recurrent miscarriage, and high blood pressure.
Does the Homocysteine test require fasting?
Yes. Fasting for 8 to 12 hours is recommended for accurate results.
Can high homocysteine cause miscarriage?
Yes. Elevated homocysteine increases placental clotting and reduces blood flow to the fetus.
What is the cost of the Homocysteine test?
The Homocysteine test typically starts from around EGP 300, and the price may vary between laboratories.
Can high homocysteine cause blood clots?
Yes. It is one of the strongest silent risk factors for abnormal blood clotting.
What are the symptoms of low homocysteine?
There is no medical condition known as “low homocysteine.” Low levels are normal and healthy, and they do not cause symptoms. The real medical risk occurs when homocysteine is elevated.
Can homocysteine be permanently lowered?
In most cases, homocysteine levels can be effectively controlled through dietary changes and vitamin supplementation.
Is the test important for heart patients?
Yes, especially for patients with unexplained blood clots or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
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