Key result
Folic acid therapy lacks evidence to reduce cardiovascular risk or atherosclerotic disease progression.
Why the study?
An increased plasma level of homocysteine has been proposed as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, but contradictory data exist regarding its role in disease progression.
Does lowering plasma homocysteine concentration with folic acid therapy reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with or at risk for atherosclerotic disease?
Population
Patients with or at risk for atherosclerotic disease
Comparison
Lowering plasma homocysteine concentration (e.g., folic acid therapy) vs no lowering
Design
Review of English language articles identified by Medline search and cross-referencing
Authors
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Contradictory evidence leaves homocysteine's role in atherosclerosis uncertain; does not support routine testing or treatment pending randomized trials.
Does lowering plasma homocysteine concentration with folic acid therapy reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with or at risk for atherosclerotic disease?
This review concludes there is insufficient evidence to support widespread use of folic acid therapy to lower homocysteine for cardiovascular risk reduction.
O’Grady et al. (2002) conducted a review in Atherosclerotic disease. Increased plasma homocysteine level was evaluated on Atherosclerotic disease progression. There is insufficient evidence to regard increased homocysteine levels as a causative factor in atherosclerotic disease or to support widespread folic acid therapy for cardiovascular risk reduction.
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