Original Articles
S. Ganeshan, Karthikumar, B. A
Abstract
To evaluate the effect of 5 mg folic acid supplement for five months, on serum homocysteine (Hcy) level in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A total of 50 patients and 25 control subjects were studied. Out of 50 CVD patients 31 were men and 19 were women. Controls were age and sex matched. Serum Hcy level were measured in both patients and controls at the initiation of study. After treatment with folic acid for five months, serum Hcy level was measured in patients. Total serum Hcy level before treatment with folic acid in patients was 22.91 ± 2.94 μmol/L and in controls 14.4 ± 1.39 μmol/L. Total serum Hcy level after consumption of folic acid for five months in patients was 14.63 ± 2.935 (P<0.001). There was significant reduction in low density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC) and Blood pressure (BP) in folic acid treated group as compared to those not receiving folic acid. This study recommends screening for homocysteine level in normal individuals for early detection of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and folic acid supplementation in CVD patients with Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHC) to avoid cardiovascular complications.