P-234: Therapeutical effects of folic acid on serum homocysteine in hypertensive patients

High levels of Homocysteine (Hcys), an end product of metionine metabolism, has been pointed out as an independent risk factor associated with Primary Hypertension; they are influenced by diet, folic acid, B6 and B 12 vitamins. Studies have shown that a high intake of fortificated folic acid could lower Hcys level. The present study considerated the therapeutical effects of Folic Acid on Homocysteinemia in patients with High Blood Pressure grade 1 and/or 2 according to the World Health Organization (WHO-1999). We enrolled forty four patient; 23 women (52,3 %), 21 men (47,7%) between 35 and 60 years of age in a prospective, open-labeled, descriptive and comparative study. A medical history, physical examination and laboratory studies were done on all the patients and previous medications withheld (antioxidants, vitamins, antihipertensive drug) with weekly observations. During the check-up visits, blood pressure was measured with Dinamap R, and blood samples were obtained to measured serum levels of Hcys and the folate according to the Fluorescence Polarizing Immunoassay (FPIA) technique (first week), and 1 mg of folic acid was administered oral during eight week and at the end, serum levels of Hcys were determined . Results: There were a statistical difference between Hcys and intake of fortificated folic acid in patients with High Blood Pressure. A value of p=0,000 was obtained (t=8,327). Conclusions: Fortified Folic Acid reduces serum levels of Homocysteine in Hypertensive Patients. Table 1 SBP = Sistolic Blood Pressure, DBP = Diastolic Blood Pressure. SD = Standard Deviation. Hcys = Homocysteine Variable Pre-test (week-1) Pos-Test (week-8) Mean SD Mean SD SBP (mmHg) 145,85 8,29 122 9,65 DBP (mmHg) 82,60 7,91 72,94 8,77 Hcys (umol/L) 11,17 5,32 6,98 3,02