Medically Reviewed By: Dr Paul Lim – MBBS, M.Med (Int Med), MRCP (UK), FAMS (Cardiology)
Homocysteine Test Homocysteine Blood Test in Singapore
Homocysteine is an amino acid in your blood, normally kept in check by the B vitamins folate, B12 and B6. A raised level can damage the artery lining and make the blood more likely to clot, and is linked with a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots — a risk a standard cholesterol panel does not show.
Clinical Experience
Your Homocysteine Result Is Interpreted by Dr Paul Lim
Senior Consultant Cardiologist & Cardiac Electrophysiologist
Dr Paul Lim is a Senior Consultant Cardiologist who reviews your homocysteine result in the context of your full cardiovascular risk — your cholesterol numbers, blood pressure, family history and lifestyle — and explains what it means for you and what, if anything, to do about it. He completed advanced fellowship training at Barts Heart Centre, London under Singapore’s HMDP award.
- MBBS (Singapore)
- M.Med (Int Med)
- MRCP (UK)
- FAMS (Cardiology)
- Fellow, European Society of Cardiology (FESC)
- Fellow, American College of Cardiology (FACC)
- Fellow, Heart Rhythm Society (FHRS)
What Is Homocysteine?
Homocysteine is an amino acid that your body produces as it processes protein. It is normally broken down with the help of three B vitamins — folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. When that process does not work well, homocysteine builds up in the blood.
A raised level is thought to damage the lining of the arteries and make the blood more likely to clot. It is an independent risk marker for furring-up of the arteries and is associated with a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and clots in the veins. Because it acts on top of your other risk factors, it can add useful information when your risk is unclear — and a high level due to low B vitamins can often be brought down.
Why a High Homocysteine Is Important
A raised homocysteine is an independent risk marker for cardiovascular disease. Testing helps a cardiologist assess:
- Your risk of heart attack and coronary artery disease
- Your risk of stroke from furring-up of the arteries
- Your tendency to form blood clots in the veins (venous thrombosis)
- A risk that a standard cholesterol panel does not show — particularly when heart disease seems out of proportion to your other results
- Whether a correctable cause — such as low folate, B12 or B6 — is present and worth addressing
Homocysteine is one piece of your overall risk picture, best interpreted by a cardiologist alongside your other results — for example an hs-CRP test, a CT calcium score or a full heart screening.
Who Should Have a Homocysteine Test?
A homocysteine test is especially worth considering if you have:
- Premature or unexplained heart disease or stroke
- A strong family history of early cardiovascular disease
- A personal or family history of blood clots
- Cardiovascular disease that seems out of proportion to your other risk factors
- A possible B-vitamin deficiency or poor diet
- A wish to build a fuller picture of your cardiovascular risk as part of a thorough health check
Not sure whether the test is right for you? Dr Paul Lim can advise during a consultation and arrange it where appropriate.
What to Expect
The test itself is quick and straightforward.
- Fasting is usually recommended — about 10 to 12 hours — because a recent high-protein meal can raise the level. We will let you know how to prepare when you book.
- A member of our clinical team takes a single blood sample from a vein in your arm. It takes only a few minutes.
- The sample is sent to the laboratory and your homocysteine level is measured.
- Dr Paul Lim reviews the result alongside your cholesterol numbers, blood pressure, family history and lifestyle, and explains what it means for you.
- If your homocysteine is raised, he will look for a correctable cause and discuss how to lower your overall cardiovascular risk.
Why Do Your Homocysteine Test with Us?
An Added Layer of Risk
Homocysteine reveals a risk a standard cholesterol panel cannot show — useful when your heart risk is unclear.
Interpreted by a Cardiologist
Your result is reviewed by Dr Paul Lim and explained in the context of your overall heart risk — not just handed to you as a number.
A Correctable Cause
When a raised level is due to low B vitamins, it can often be brought down with folate, B12 and B6.
Track Your Progress
Because homocysteine can change, it can be re-checked to see whether your changes or treatment are working.
Transparent Pricing
Our homocysteine and consultation fees are published below, so you know the cost before you book.
Two Locations
Available at our Jurong and Orchard clinics.
Wondering if you should check your homocysteine? Speak with Dr Paul Lim.
Homocysteine Test Cost in Singapore
All fees are inclusive of GST.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Test | |
| Homocysteine | S$74.12 |
| Consultation | |
| First Consultation with Cardiologist (Jurong) | S$130.80 |
| Follow-up Consultation with Cardiologist (Jurong) | S$98.10 |
| First Consultation with Cardiologist (Orchard) | S$272.50 |
| Follow-up Consultation with Cardiologist (Orchard) | S$163.50 |
A consultation with the cardiologist is required so the test can be properly indicated and your result interpreted in the context of your overall cardiovascular risk.
Homocysteine is also available as part of our extended Cardiac Screening 4 blood panel — see the cardiology fees. Because it can change with diet, B-vitamin levels and treatment, it can be repeated to track progress.
Book a Cardiologist Appointment
Contact us to schedule a consultation or to find out more about our cardiac services.
Send Us a Message
Homocysteine FAQ
What is homocysteine?
Homocysteine is an amino acid that your body makes and normally breaks down with the help of B vitamins — folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. When that process does not work well, homocysteine builds up in the blood. A raised level is linked with damage to the artery lining and a greater tendency for the blood to clot.
Why does a high homocysteine matter for the heart?
A raised homocysteine is an independent risk marker for atherosclerosis — the furring-up of the arteries — and is associated with a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots in the veins. It can act on top of your other risk factors, so it can add useful information when your cardiovascular risk is unclear or your heart disease seems out of proportion to your other results.
Who should have a homocysteine test?
A homocysteine test is worth considering if you have premature or unexplained heart disease or stroke, a strong family history of early cardiovascular disease, a personal or family history of blood clots, or risk factors that do not fully explain your condition. Dr Paul Lim can advise whether the test is appropriate for you and interpret it alongside your other results.
What causes a high homocysteine?
The most common cause is a low level of the B vitamins that break homocysteine down — folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. Other causes include inherited factors, reduced kidney function, an underactive thyroid, some medicines, smoking and heavy alcohol use. Identifying the cause helps guide what, if anything, should be done about a raised level.
Do I need to fast, and how is the test done?
Fasting is usually recommended for a homocysteine test — typically about 10 to 12 hours — because a recent high-protein meal can raise the level. It is a single blood sample taken from a vein in your arm by a member of our clinical team, and takes only a few minutes. We will let you know how to prepare when you book.
How often should homocysteine be checked?
Homocysteine can change with diet, B-vitamin levels and treatment, so it can be repeated to track progress. If your level is raised and you take steps to lower it, your cardiologist may re-check it after a few months to see whether it has improved.
Can a high homocysteine be lowered?
Often, yes. A raised homocysteine due to low B vitamins usually falls with folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6, from diet or supplements where appropriate. It is worth noting that lowering homocysteine has not been clearly shown to reduce heart attacks and strokes on its own, so it is used as one part of your risk picture. Dr Paul Lim will explain what your result means and focus on lowering your overall cardiovascular risk.
How much does a homocysteine test cost in Singapore?
At our clinic a homocysteine test is S$74.12, inclusive of GST. A cardiologist consultation is also required (S$130.80 first / S$98.10 follow-up at Jurong; S$272.50 first / S$163.50 follow-up at Orchard, inclusive of GST). Homocysteine is also available as part of our extended Cardiac Screening 4 blood panel. See the fee table above.