Correlation between low folate levels and hyperhomocysteinemia, but not with vitamin B12 in hypertensive patients

Hypertension is considered to be among the most important risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In recent years, several investigators have reported that high plasma levels of total homocysteine (t-hcy) has a key role in the development of hypertension, and the deficiency of B complex vitamins could increase the risk of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 in hypertensive patients. In 116 patients with hypertension and 81 healthy subjects, total plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate levels were measured. Homocysteine was significantly higher in patients than in control subjects (22.9±3.5 versus 9.0±2.3 μmol/L respectively, p