How is the homocysteine level measured?
Homocysteine is measured using a simple blood test. You don’t have to prepare in any special way for the blood test. If your homocysteine level is too high, you need to lower it, especially if you have blockages in your blood vessels. If you have no other major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and you do not have atherosclerosis, your doctor may take a watchful waiting approach and monitor the level closely. If it increases further, you may need to lower it. While no studies have shown that lowering homocysteine levels helps reduce strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular conditions, it is a good idea to lower a high homocysteine level because it is a risk for heart disease.
