HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Homocysteine
What Affects the Test
Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:
- Going through Reference menopause Opens New Window.
- Having Reference high blood pressure Opens New Window (hypertension).
- Smoking or other tobacco use.
- Having a family history of high homocysteine levels.
- Drinking more than 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day over many years.
- Taking medicines, such as anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and birth control pills.
- Having kidney disease, certain forms of Reference leukemia Opens New Window, or Reference psoriasis Opens New Window.
- Having a rare family (inherited) disease that causes the lack of an Reference enzyme Opens New Window needed to prevent the build up of homocysteine in the blood (homocystinuria).
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference January 27, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference George Philippides, MD - Cardiology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
