Homocysteine (Plasma) During Pregnancy
Laboratory Tests
Obie Editorial Team
What is Homocysteine?
Homocysteine is an amino acid; the cornerstone of protein production. Amino acids are taken in to the body when meat is consumed. High blood levels of homocysteine can be associated with atherosclerosis; a condition characterized by hard/narrow arteries. The formation of atherosclerosis can cause stroke, heart attack and may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Doctors also worry about increased risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism when blood tests reveal elevated homocysteine.
Homocysteine is an amino acid; the cornerstone of protein production. Amino acids are taken in to the body when meat is consumed. High blood levels of homocysteine can be associated with atherosclerosis; a condition characterized by hard/narrow arteries. The formation of atherosclerosis can cause stroke, heart attack and may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Doctors also worry about increased risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism when blood tests reveal elevated homocysteine.
Normal Value Range
- Negative Pregnancy Adult: 0 to 12 µmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester One: 3.34 µmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester Two: 2 to 26.9 µmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester Three: 3.2 to 21.4 µmol/L
