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Vitamin E Supplements Effective Treatment for Mild Hypertension: Presented at ISA

By Eurona Earl Tilley

KYOTO, JAPAN -- October 1, 2003 -- Vitamin E supplements of 200 IU/day improved the blood pressure status of 70 mild hypertensive subjects in Iran, according to research presented here September 29^th at the 13^th International Symposium on Atherosclerosis.

"This improvement in blood pressure appears to be a result of nitric oxide," said presenter Maryam Boshtam, MD, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan, Iran.

It has been speculated that hypertension is due to inhibition of the nitric oxide system, causing decreased endothelial vasodilation, which results in increased blood pressure. Dr. Boshtam and colleagues further hypothesised that antioxidants can, via the neutralising effects of superoxides, cause a decrease in blood pressure status.

The researchers selected 70 patients, ages 20 to 60 years, based on an initial systolic blood pressure of 140 to 160 mm Hg, a diastolic blood pressure of 90 to 100 mm Hg, and presence of no other cardiovascular risk factors.

They were randomly divided into 2 groups; one received vitamin E, and the other a placebo for a period of 27 weeks. In accordance with the Hansen & Warwick method, serum vitamin E levels were measured fluorimetrically in all subjects. Blood pressures were measured at baseline, midpoint, and end of the study using 1 random zero mercury sphygmomanometer. Similarly, heart rates were recorded at these intervals. A survey was used to collect personal specification and nutritional habits of each participant.

Subjects who received vitamin E supplements had a 24% decrease in systolic blood pressure compared to a 1.6% decrease among placebo controls. A less significant decrease was seen in diastolic blood pressure, with a 12.5% decrease in the supplement group and a 6.2% decrease in the placebo group. Patients who received vitamin E had a greater decrease in heart rate than placebo controls.

Hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is present in 28% of Isfahan residents. Long-term use of a vitamin E supplementation may reduce blood pressure in this group. Moreover, presence of a large number of vitamin E rich foods in Iran may further help improve blood pressure status in this segment of the population.


[Study title: Vitamin E Can Reduce Blood Pressure in Mild Hypertensives. Abstract 1P-0292]

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