What is CVD?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), also referred to as heart disease, starts in childhood and manifests as a disease later in life. CVD is inflammation of the arteries caused by plaque buildup over time. This plaque buildup restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, eventually leading to a severe condition such as a heart attack or stroke. According to the World Health Organization, CVD is the leading cause of death globally, more than all cancers. Recommendations for CVD screening with a standard lipid panel vary, with some expert organizations recommending screening begin as early as 20 years old. However, patients with increased risk factors for CVD may require earlier and more frequent screenings.
What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Cardio IQ® Homocysteine Blood Test, which measures homocysteine concentration in the blood to help assess cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Homocysteine is an amino acid, molecules the body uses to make proteins. The homocysteine concentration levels are usually low because the body uses vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folic acid to quickly break down homocysteine and convert it into other substances the body needs.
High homocysteine levels in the blood may indicate that this process isn't working correctly or that an individual lacks specific B vitamins. In addition, high levels of homocysteine can damage the inside of the arteries and increase the risk of forming blood clots. This condition may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other symptoms related to cardiovascular disease (CVD).
What conditions cause abnormal homocysteine levels?
Normally, homocysteine breaks down into other substances, and only trace amounts remain in the bloodstream. However, some underlying health conditions may interrupt this process and result in high homocysteine concentration levels. The following conditions can cause abnormally high homocysteine levels:
- A vitamin B12, B6, or folic acid deficiency
- Heart disease
- A rare genetic disease, such as homocystinuria (a condition that prevents the body from producing specific amino acids)
This Cardio IQ® Homocysteine Blood Test may be useful for individuals with the following underlying conditions:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol (high LDL "bad" cholesterol)
- Diabetes
When should I order a Cardio IQ® Homocysteine Blood Test?
Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to a heart attack or stroke, or if they have one or more risk factor that increases the chance of developing CVD. CVD risk factors include:
- Increasing age
- Family history of early CVD
- Insulin resistance
- Liver disease
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes or prediabetes
- Overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Unhealthy diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
