High blood pressure is one of the most common long-term health problems worldwide.
If it is not well controlled, it can greatly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and other serious conditions.
Although many people can lower their blood pressure with healthy lifestyle changes and medicines, some continue to have high readings despite taking several medications.
A study from the University of Maine suggests that certain B vitamins may provide extra help for some people with hypertension.
The research, published in the American Journal of Hypertension, reviewed existing scientific evidence and found that lowering blood levels of a natural substance called homocysteine could also help reduce blood pressure.
Homocysteine is produced naturally when the body breaks down proteins. Small amounts are normal, but high levels can damage blood vessels over time.
Researchers believe excess homocysteine may make arteries become stiffer and narrower, making it more difficult for blood to flow and causing blood pressure to rise. Elevated homocysteine has also been linked to a greater risk of heart disease and stroke.
The researchers were especially interested in people with drug-resistant hypertension. This condition affects about one in eight people with high blood pressure and means that blood pressure remains above the target level even after using at least three different blood pressure medicines. Finding new ways to help these patients is becoming increasingly important.
The need for better treatments has grown since blood pressure guidelines were updated. Today, many health experts consider blood pressure above 130 over 80 millimetres of mercury, or mmHg, to be high. This lower target means more people are now diagnosed with hypertension and may benefit from additional treatment options.
One reason homocysteine levels become too high is a shortage of important B vitamins. Vitamins B6, B12, folate, also known as vitamin B9, and riboflavin, or vitamin B2, all help the body process homocysteine normally. When these vitamins are lacking, homocysteine can build up in the bloodstream.
After reviewing previous studies, the research team found that taking the right B vitamin supplements lowered blood pressure by about 6 to 13 mmHg in many people.
Even a modest reduction in blood pressure can significantly lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems, making these findings potentially important for people whose blood pressure remains difficult to control.
The researchers also questioned the current laboratory standards for homocysteine testing. Although many experts recommend keeping homocysteine at 10 micromoles per litre or lower, some laboratories still use 11.4 micromoles per litre as the upper limit of normal.
The scientists believe this higher cut-off may delay treatment for people whose levels are already affecting their health.
Lead author Dr. Merrill Elias stressed that people should not start taking high-dose vitamin supplements without medical advice.
While B vitamins are generally considered safe, the most appropriate type and dose depend on each person’s health, diet, and other medicines. A healthcare professional can determine whether testing homocysteine levels or taking supplements is appropriate.
Overall, the study suggests that B vitamins could become an inexpensive and widely available addition to standard blood pressure treatment, especially for people with drug-resistant hypertension.
More research is still needed, but improving vitamin status and reducing homocysteine may offer another practical way to protect heart health alongside healthy eating, regular exercise, and prescribed medications.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about vitamins impacts on high blood pressure people need to know, and how to manage high blood pressure and diabetes with healthy foods.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the best and worst foods for high blood pressure, and modified traditional Chinese cuisine can lower blood pressure.
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