Mr. Liu is 54 years old this year and has been suffering from hypertension for many years. He has been taking antihypertensive drugs to control it, which has been quite effective.
However, in recent months, he has been feeling dizzy all the time and even gets out of breath climbing stairs.
As the discomfort persisted without improvement, Mr. Liu went to the hospital for a check-up. To his surprise, his blood pressure was as high as 175/100mmHg, despite taking his antihypertensive medication on time.
The doctor discovered that his homocysteine level was as high as 35.5µmol/L and prescribed him folic acid to take one tablet a day at home. After continuing this for six months, Mr. Liu’s blood pressure significantly decreased.
Many people associate folic acid with pregnant women and are unaware of why hypertensive patients should take folic acid tablets. In fact, certain types of hypertension can be improved by taking folic acid.
Why should hypertensive patients take folic acid tablets?
Dr. Wang Fang, chief physician at the cardiovascular department of a hospital in Beijing, explained that folic acid, mainly composed of vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and classified as a national pharmaceutical standard.
The efficacy of folic acid includes promoting blood formation, enhancing immunity, and preventing birth defects in babies when pregnant women consume it. Additionally, folic acid has a good effect on H-type hypertension.
Hypertension is defined as blood pressure higher than 140/90mmHg, and hypertensive patients with homocysteine levels equal to or greater than 10umol/L fall into the category of H-type hypertension. According to the “2010 Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension,” 75% of Chinese adults with hypertension have elevated homocysteine levels.
Experts from a hospital’s cardiology department mentioned that factors causing an increase in plasma homocysteine levels include excessive intake of animal proteins, hypothyroidism, renal insufficiency, genetic metabolic factors, vitamin B6 deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency, and other nutrients.
Homocysteine, a harmful amino acid produced during methionine metabolism, can promote atherosclerosis and increase the risk of cardiovascular events by affecting blood vessel function.
Supplementing folic acid can facilitate the conversion between homocysteine and methionine, counteract oxidative stress, and improve endothelial function.
The treatment of H-type hypertension involves controlling blood pressure, supplementing folic acid to reduce homocysteine levels, and adopting a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle for comprehensive management and control.
Folic acid, a versatile nutrient, provides various benefits when appropriately supplemented.
A study published in a medical journal revealed that combining enalapril with folic acid could reduce the risk of a first stroke by 21% compared to sole antihypertensive treatment.
Dr. Xue Chao, a senior cardiologist at the Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, stated that apart from regulating blood pressure and preventing strokes, folic acid also offers several other benefits.
1. It reduces the risk of diabetes.
2. It prevents fetal malformations.
3. It helps in the prevention and management of chronic kidney disease.
4. It reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Excessive or indiscriminate folic acid supplementation may increase cancer risk and interact adversely with other drugs, leading to reduced efficacy, increased toxic effects, and exacerbation of diseases. Additionally, excessive folic acid supplementation can interfere with zinc absorption and increase the risk of fetal malformations and developmental delays in pregnant women.
To maximize health benefits from folic acid supplementation, individuals should consider their specific needs, incorporate folic acid-rich foods into their diet, and seek medical guidance when necessary.
Reference materials:
[1] “Why Take Folic Acid Tablets for Hypertension?” Cardiology Department, Aerospace Center Hospital. May 23, 2020
[2] “Is Excessive Folic Acid Consumption Truly Carcinogenic? Safer Ways to Supplement!” Science China. January 10, 2024
[3] “The Underrated Benefits of Folic Acid: Control Blood Pressure and Prevent Strokes” Life Times. September 12, 2022
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