What is a common clinical use of plasma homocysteine measurement?

Plasma homocysteine measurement is commonly used to evaluate cardiovascular risk due to its association with vascular disease. Elevated levels of homocysteine can indicate an increased risk of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and other cardiovascular conditions. Research has shown that high homocysteine levels correlate with the development of cardiovascular diseases because they may contribute to endothelial dysfunction, promote arterial stiffness, and facilitate the formation of plaques within the arteries.

In clinical practice, assessing homocysteine can help identify individuals who may benefit from lifestyle changes or interventions aimed at reducing their cardiovascular risk, particularly if they are also found to have deficiencies in vitamins B6, B12, or folate, which are involved in homocysteine metabolism. This makes it a valuable tool in cardiovascular risk stratification and management.

While plasma homocysteine levels can be influenced by various factors, including genetics and dietary habits, their primary clinical relevance remains in the evaluation of cardiovascular risk rather than monitoring kidney disease, assessing vitamin D levels, or measuring thyroid function.