• the concentration of white blood cells,
• red blood cells,
• platelets in the blood, and
• aids in diagnosing conditions and disease such as
  • malignancy,
  • anemia, or
  • blood clotting problems.

Heart disease (coronary artery disease) occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply blood to the heart. Heart disease can lead to heart attack. Risk factors for heart disease include:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Family history
• Obesity

Angina, shortness of breath, and sweating are just a few symptoms that may indicate a heart attack. Treatment of heart disease involves control of heart disease risk factors through lifestyle changes, medications, and/or stenting or bypass surgery. Heart disease can be prevented by controlling heart disease risk factors.

Elevated homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia) is a sign that the body isn't producing enough of the amino acid homocysteine. The condition may be genetic (inherited) called homocystinuria. Homocystinuria is a somewhat rare genetic (inherited) condition that includes symptoms like developmental delays, osteoporosis, blood clots, heart attack, heart disease, stroke, and visual abnormalities died at an early age. There are other causes of the condition like alcoholism.

Supplementing the diet with folic acid and possibly vitamins B6 and B12 supplements can lower homocysteine levels. Currently there is no direct proof that taking folic acid and B vitamins to lower homocysteine levels prevent heart attacks and strokes. Talk to your doctor if you feel you need to have your homocysteine blood levels checked.

• severe burns,
• muscle trauma,
• coma,
• seizures,
• electrolyte imbalance,
• medications (statins),
• viruses, and
• bacteria.

A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to part of the brain caused by either a blood clot (ischemic) or bleeding (hemorrhagic). Symptoms of a stroke may include

• weakness,
• numbness,
• double vision or vision loss,
• confusion,
• vertigo, and
• difficulty speaking or understanding speech.

A physical exam, imaging tests, neurological exam, and blood tests may be used to diagnose a stroke. Treatment may include administration of clot-busting drugs, supportive care, and in some instances, neurosurgery. The risk of stroke can be reduced by controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and stopping smoking.