Folic acid supplementation in patients with cardiovascular disease

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Cao Thanh Tam - Cardiologist - Cardiovascular Center - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital. Master - Doctor Cao Thanh Tam has many years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Folic acid in addition to preventing birth defects can also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in people, with an effect of up to 20%.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in all age groups. Not only in Vietnam but also in most countries around the world, the death rate caused by cardiovascular disease is increasing.
There are many causes of cardiovascular disease, in recent years there has been increasing evidence that higher than normal homocysteine ​​levels are an important factor in heart disease, which can lead to heart disease. to dangerous blood clots and hardening of the arteries. When the amount of homocysteine ​​in the body is exceeded, there is an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Folic acid is one of the B vitamins that help break down an amino acid in the blood called homocysteine. By increasing folic acid intake and lowering homocysteine, researchers say the risk of heart disease is reduced by 16%, blood clots in the legs by 25% and stroke by 24%. Therefore, the human body needs a lot of vitamin B to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
When diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases, the patient will be prescribed medication. The use of drugs to treat the disease makes good progress. They can be taken with medication, but only if the supplement does not interfere with the medication's effect.
Folic acid supplementation is a simple, safe and economical treatment. At the same time, folic acid supplementation also has a positive impact on the health of the patient.

To help our bodies replenish vitamins, we need a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, tomatoes, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Experts recommend supplementing the body with the necessary amount of folic acid 400 micrograms per day.
Therefore, to reduce homocysteine ​​levels in cardiovascular disease ​, folic acid supplementation through food fortification would be a safe and simple way to prevent heart disease.
In the United States, cereals and grain products have been fortified with folic acid to prevent spinal cord birth defects. Other natural food sources of folic acid (also known as folate in foods) include fruits and green leafy vegetables.
Proven methods to reduce stroke risk include eating a healthy diet, aiming for a healthy weight through regular exercise, not smoking and limiting alcohol.

Reference source: webmd.com; heart.org