Homocysteine Index by MedicineNet.com

Homocysteine Index

Featured: Homocysteine Main Article

Homocysteine, an amino acid produced by the body is usually as a byproduct of consuming meat. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood may be associated with increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and hardening of the arteries. Symptoms of elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood include increased tendency of blood clotting, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism. Insufficient amounts of folate, vitamins B6 and B12 are associated with increased levels of homosysteine in the blood. Treatment of high homocysteine blood levels include consumption of folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 supplements and cereals.

Patient Discussions - Viewers share their comments

Homocysteine - Cause

Pictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes

Heart Disease Pictures Slideshow: A Visual Guide to Heart Disease Watch this slideshow of heart disease covering symptoms to watch for, diagnostic tests, treatments, and prevention strategies....learn more »
Heart Disease Pictures Slideshow: Coronary Artery Disease See pictures on heart disease (coronary artery disease) and learn about causes like high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, high...learn more »

Medications

Related Diseases & Conditions

Stroke A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or...learn more »
In This Article
Stroke Article
- Stroke facts
- What is a stroke?
- What causes a stroke?
- What are the risk factors for stroke?
- What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- What is the impact of strokes?
- What are stroke symptoms?
- What should be done if you suspect you or someone else is having a stroke?
- How is a stroke diagnosed?
- What is the treatment of a stroke?
- Is surgical treatment done for strokes?
- What complications can occur after a stroke?
- What can be done to prevent a stroke?
- What is in the future for stroke treatment?
Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot in the Lung) A pulmonary embolism occurs when a piece of a blood clot from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) breaks off and travels to an artery in...learn more »
In This Article
Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot in the Lung) Article
- Pulmonary embolism facts
- What is a pulmonary embolism?
- What are the causes and risk factors for pulmonary embolism?
- What are the signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism?
- How is pulmonary embolism diagnosed?
- History and physical examination
- Basic testing (CBC, electrolytes, BUN, creatinine blood test, chest x-ray, EKG)
- Pulmonary angiogram
- d-Dimer blood test
- CT Scan
- Ventilation-perfusion scans
- Venous Doppler study
- Echocardiography (EKG, ECG)
- What is the treatment for pulmonary embolism?
- Anticoagulation
- Thrombolytic therapy
- What is the prognosis for pulmonary embolism?
- Can pulmonary embolism be prevented?
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a vein located deep in the muscles of the legs, thighs, pelvis (lower torso), or...learn more »
In This Article
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Article
- Introduction to deep vein thrombosis
- What are the causes of deep vein thrombosis?
- What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis?
- When should I seek medical care for deep vein thrombosis?
- How is deep vein thrombosis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for deep vein thrombosis?
- What are the complications of deep vein thrombosis?
- Can deep vein thrombosis be prevented?
Alcoholism Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as...learn more »
In This Article
Alcoholism Article
- Alcoholism and alcohol abuse facts
- What is alcohol abuse?
- What is alcoholism?
- What differentiates alcohol abuse from alcoholism?
- What are risk factors for alcoholism?
- What causes alcoholism? Is alcoholism hereditary?
- What are alcohol abuse and alcoholism symptoms and signs in teenagers, women, men, and the elderly?
- How is alcoholism diagnosed?
- What are the stages of alcoholism?
- What is the treatment for alcoholism?
- What medications treat alcoholism?
- How can you tell if someone has a drinking problem?
- Can an alcoholic just cut back or stop drinking?
- Is there a safe level of drinking?
- Is it safe to drink alcohol while pregnant?
- How can someone find more information or get help or support to treat alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
- What are the long-term physical and psychological effects of alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
- What is codependency and what is the treatment for codependency?
- Can alcoholism be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of alcoholism?
Cholesterol Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, and is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Low-density lipoprotein...learn more »
In This Article
Cholesterol Article
- Cholesterol Levels facts
- What is cholesterol?
- What are LDL and HDL cholesterol?
- What determines the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood?
- Does lowering LDL cholesterol prevent heart attacks and strokes?
- How can LDL cholesterol levels be lowered?
- What are the current NCEP cholesterol treatment guidelines?
- Why is HDL the good cholesterol?
- What are triglycerides and VLDL?
- What medications are available to lower cholesterol, lipids, and triglycerides?
- Is lowering LDL cholesterol enough?
Heart Attack Heart attack happens when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. A heart...learn more »
In This Article
Heart Attack Article
- Heart attack facts
- What is a heart attack?
- What causes a heart attack?
- What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
- What are the complications of a heart attack?
- What are the risk factors for atherosclerosis and heart attack?
- How is a heart attack diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for heart attack?
- What about heart attacks in women?
- What are the risk factors for heart attack in women?
- What are the symptoms of heart attack in women and how is heart attack diagnosed?
- How is heart attack in women treated?
- What about hormone therapy and heart attack in women?
- What is new in heart attack?