Homocysteine Test
Assess Heart Health, Stroke Risk & Vitamin Deficiency
What Is a Homocysteine Test?
A Homocysteine Test measures the level of homocysteine — an amino acid produced when your body breaks down protein in your blood.
While small amounts are normal, high homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia) can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of:
- Heart disease and heart attack
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- Cognitive decline and dementia
- Pregnancy complications
Homocysteine levels are also closely linked to Vitamin B6, B12, and folate status, as these vitamins are needed to break down homocysteine in the body.
Why Check Your Homocysteine Levels?
Testing is important because high homocysteine often has no obvious symptoms — but it can silently damage arteries over time. Some with very high levels of homocysteine are at an increased risk for heart disease. You should consider testing if you:
- Have a family history of heart disease or stroke
- Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes
- Experience unexplained fatigue, weakness, or memory issues
- Have been diagnosed with vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
- Are planning a pregnancy (especially if you have a history of miscarriages)
- Are over 50 and want to assess cardiovascular health
What Causes High Homocysteine?
Common causes include:
- Vitamin Deficiencies – Low Vitamin B6, B12, or folate
- Genetic Factors – MTHFR gene mutation can affect breakdown of homocysteine
- Kidney Disease – Reduced clearance of homocysteine
- Lifestyle Factors – Poor diet, smoking, excessive coffee or alcohol
- Medical Conditions – Hypothyroidism, psoriasis, certain cancers
- Medications – Some anti-seizure drugs, methotrexate, and others
Common Symptoms of High Homocysteine
You may not have symptoms until levels are significantly elevated, but early signs include:
- Sudden joint pain or swelling (especially at night)
- Red, warm, or shiny joints
- Pain in the big toe or mid-foot
- Fatigue or low-grade fever
- Frequent urination or back pain (linked to kidney health)
Who Should Consider a Homocysteine Test?
You may benefit from a homocysteine test if you:
- Have a family history of heart disease, stroke, or blood clots
- Are being evaluated for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
- Have unexplained fatigue, nerve symptoms, or memory issues
- Have had a previous heart attack or stroke at a young age
- Are planning a pregnancy, especially if there’s a history of recurrent miscarriages
- Have chronic kidney disease
- Follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet without supplementation
- Have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or unexplained bone loss
Early detection allows for targeted treatment, such as dietary changes and vitamin supplementation, to help lower cardiovascular and neurological risks.
What If My Homocysteine Levels Are High?
If results show elevated levels, treatment may include:
- Increasing dietary intake of folate, B6, and B12
- Taking prescribed supplements
- Managing related conditions (e.g., high cholesterol, kidney function)
- Lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, and improving diet
Our doctor will create a personalised management plan based on your results and overall health profile.
Homocysteine Test
Test Type: Blood test
Fasting: Usually 8–12 hours before the test
Homocysteine Test
*Turnaround time 3 working days
Whatsapp Us Make an Appointment
*Prices listed were last updated on 1 July 2023. Prices may be subject to change.
*Price does not include consultation fee and GST.
Related & Add-On Tests
Our doctor may recommend the following tests alongside a homocysteine test for a more complete health assessment:
*Turnaround time 3 working days
Book Your Homocysteine Test Today
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Detect high homocysteine early to protect your heart, brain, and overall health.
Finding Us
Holland Village
255 Holland Ave, Singapore 278983
Near MRT Exit B
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
FAQ
Accessibility & Support
Regis Medical Holland Village is located at 255 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278983
Regis Medical Katong is located at 437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Click here to view our opening hoursAppointment
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Holland Village, please call or whatsapp us 8118 5298
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Katong, please call or whatsapp us 9851 3728
You can only cancel or change your appointments up to 24 hours before your appointment. You will receive your refund within 3 working days. No refund will be issued for no shows and cancellations within 24 hours before your appointment. However, if you are feeling unwell on the day of the appointment, we allow patients who have their acute illness seen at Regis Medical to reschedule their appointment without extra cost.
This policy is subject to change.
Yes. You can reschedule your appointments. However, you need to reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before your actual appointment time. If you are unwell on the day of the appointment, we will reschedule your appointment at no extra cost if you seek medical attention at our clinic (for non-emergencies only).
Finance
General
- Fast for 8–12 hours before the test (water is fine).
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours, as it can temporarily increase levels.
- If medically safe, pause non-prescription B-complex, B12, or folate supplements for 3–7 days before testing to avoid a falsely low “masked” result. Do not stop prescribed medications without your doctor’s approval.
- Take the test in the morning, well-hydrated.
- Kidney impairment: A common cause of moderate elevations.
- Hypothyroidism
- Certain medications: Methotrexate, phenytoin/carbamazepine, nitrous oxide exposure, niacin; metformin may contribute indirectly via B12 deficiency.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, high coffee intake, heavy alcohol use, low physical activity.
- Medical conditions: Psoriasis, diabetes, malignancy, inflammatory conditions.
- Age & sex: Levels tend to rise with age; men generally have higher levels than women.
- Review diet, supplements, and medications.
- Check related markers such as B12, folate (± MMA), renal function, and TSH.
- Start targeted supplementation (e.g., B12, folate ± B6) and address underlying causes (e.g., hypothyroidism, kidney disease).
- Re-test in 6–8 weeks to confirm improvement (goal often <10–12 µmol/L, or back within the lab’s reference range).