After waiting almost 8 weeks I got the results of my blood work up from the doc.
All good news
Total Cholesterol = 125
LDL = 56
Now the really good news...my homocysteine levels are 5.6 which in great (a level less than 13 µmol/L is considered normal.)
This just means that the MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is not effecting my ability to process folate in my system. So means I don't need to take extra supplement of B6, B12 or Folic acid at this time.
This might help explain this a little better:
Some people develop an elevated homocysteine level in part because of a genetic predisposition. The MTHFR gene produces an enzyme that helps regulate homocysteine levels in the body. If there is a genetic error (called a mutation) in the MTHFR gene, homocysteine levels may not be regulated properly. Genetic mutations in MTHFR are the most commonly known inherited risk factor for elevated homocysteine levels. We all have 2 MTHFR genes, one inherited from each parent. Some people have a genetic mutation in one or both of their MTHFR genes. People with mutations in one MTHFR gene are called "heterozygous" for the MTHFR mutation; if mutations are present in both genes, the person is said to be "homozygous" for the mutation.
The most common MTHFR mutation is called the MTHFR C677T mutation, or the "thermolabile" MTHFR mutation. Another common mutation is called MTHFR A1298C. To have any detrimental effect, mutations must be present in both copies of a person’s MTHFR genes. Having only one mutation, ie, being heterozygous, is, from a medical perspective, irrelevant. Even when 2 MTHFR mutations are present (eg, 2 C677T mutations, or one C677T mutation and one A1298C mutation), not all people will develop high homocysteine levels. Although these mutations do impair the regulation of homocysteine, adequate folate levels essentially "cancel out" this defect.
I still have the mutations on 2 different variants but it's only on one gene each. It doesn't effect me at this time but as mentioned in the article elevated homocysteine levels can be caused by a deficiency of B vitamins and folate in their diets. High homocysteine levels are also seen in people with kidney disease, low levels of thyroid hormones, psoriasis, and with certain medications.
I'm just happy to be "normal" which means I don't have a risk of blood clots, something I was more worried about. This is known to make increase your chances of stroke. And since my Grandmother has had one, I was just worried and wanted it checked out.
Doc also said that this is something we need to just keep an eye on and if we decide to have more kids to get them checked again before and right after getting pregnant to be sure they are level.
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