hand-shaped-heart-i-screen

A risk factor for heart disease and Alzheimer's

Homocysteine is produced as part of the body’s methylation process and is used to make protein and maintain tissue. In healthy cells homocysteine is quickly converted to other products, but build up of homocysteine in the blood can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s. Homocysteine blood test levels have been found to be a better measure of risk for cardiovascular disease, especially in older people, than conventional factors such as smoking, cholesterol or raised blood pressure. Raised homocysteine blood test levels are also linked to Alzheimer’s, dementia, declining memory, poor concentration and judgment and lowered mood.

Family playing in ocean

The complex metabolism of homocysteine depends on vitamin B12, folate and vitamin B6, and deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to raised homocysteine blood test levels. Other factors thought to raise homocysteine levels are poor diet, poor lifestyle (especially smoking and high coffee and alcohol intake), some prescription drugs (such as proton pump inhibitors), diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and poor thyroid function. Many people can lower their homocysteine blood test levels through changing their diet, in particular by reducing their protein intake and increasing their intake of B vitamins.

What we test

Homocysteine

Elevated homocysteine blood test levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and may also be elevated in cases of malnutrition or vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

This homocysteine blood test measures:

An amino acid normally present in very small amounts in all cells of the body. Homocysteine is a product of methionine metabolism - one of the 11 ‘essential’ amino acids that must be derived from the diet.

Test instructions

Download and print your pathology form from your i-screen dashboard.

Take your form to one of our affiliated collection centres to have your sample taken - no need for an appointment.

Fast from all food and drink other than water for at least 8 hours, and no more than 12 hours prior to your test. Please note some collect centers require this test to be performed before 10am.

Ready. Set. Go!
Buy now for $143 NZD

You may also be interested in

MTHFR Check
2 tests included
$248 NZD
As much as half of the population may have an MTHFR gene test mutation which may cause anxiety, insomnia, fatigue and depression. Find out more with this simple cheek swab test.
B Vitamins Check
2 tests included
$120 NZD
B vitamins are important for the nervous system and brain function as well as a healthy liver, hair, skin and eyes. They also strengthen the immune system.
Best seller
Advanced Thyroid Check
4 tests included
$158 NZD
If you’re looking for a comprehensive assessment of your thyroid function, including an investigation of an underlying autoimmune disorder, then this combined thyroid antibodies test and thyroid function test is the blood test for you.