High Homocysteine - A Risk Factor for Arteriosclerosis
Homocysteine Check-up
What is the Homocysteine Level About
Arteriosclerosis is a vascular disease that results in a narrowing (stenosis) of the small vessels (arterioles). This occurs due to deposits of plasma components and fibrotic changes in the vessel walls.
A high cholesterol level, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and high blood pressure are, like an elevated homocysteine level, risk factors for arteriosclerosis and thus for coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
The consequence...
Homocysteine is as dangerous for the vessels as cholesterol.
As early as age 40, the first vascular changes can occur. For this reason, one should know their homocysteine level by the age of 50 at the latest!
Too much... and now?
With a deficiency in vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, exhaustion symptoms occur along with an elevated blood level of homocysteine.
When these missing vitamins are reintroduced to the body, the homocysteine level also demonstrably decreases. As a result of this substitution, the risk of endothelial damage in the vascular system is reduced.
The overall risk of cardiovascular diseases can be reduced by approximately 10-25%, depending on the risk group.
How is the cost covered?
The billing of the service is carried out according to the fee schedule for doctors (GOÄ). It is an individual health service. Private health insurance usually covers the cost of the examination.