Understanding Homovanillic Acid (HVA): Normal vs Optimal Ranges

?What is Homovanillic Acid (HVA)?

Homovanillic acid (HVA) is the main terminal metabolite of dopamine. It is produced by the sequential action of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) on dopamine. Urinary HVA measurement reflects dopamine turnover and is used in the diagnosis of catecholamine-secreting tumours and monitoring neuropsychiatric conditions.

!Why It Matters

Markedly elevated urinary HVA is a key diagnostic marker for neuroblastoma (the most common extracranial solid tumour in children) and dopamine-secreting paragangliomas. It is also used in monitoring dopamine precursor therapy in Parkinson's disease and research into dopamine dysfunction in schizophrenia, ADHD, and depression. Low HVA may indicate dopamine depletion associated with Parkinson's or depression.

Reference Ranges

Lab normal ranges may vary between laboratories. Optimal and longevity targets are based on research literature and should be interpreted with your physician.

Symptoms of Imbalance

• High HVA from tumour: headache, hypertension, palpitations (catecholamine excess)
• Low HVA: symptoms of dopamine deficiency — depression, fatigue, motor impairment

How to Improve Your Levels

• 1Neuroblastoma or pheochromocytoma: surgical resection
• 2Dopamine support: adequate tyrosine intake (dopamine precursor), B6, B12
• 3Regular exercise increases dopamine turnover and may normalise low HVA

When to Test

Suspected neuroblastoma or dopamine-secreting tumour; Parkinson's monitoring; dopamine metabolism assessment in neuropsychiatric conditions.

Related Biomarkers