Folic Acid and B Vitamins Do Not Reduce the Risk of Major Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Vascular Disease
Observational studies suggest that mild to moderate elevations in homocysteine levels may increase cardiovascular disease. Folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 lower plasma homocysteine levels. The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) 2 study in Ontario, Canada investigated whether supplementation with folic acid and vitamins B12 and B6 reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in high risk patients. The trial found that daily administration of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 lowered homocysteine levels but did not reduce the incidence of major cardiovascular events. These results were published in the April 13, 2006 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. MORE»

Mitral Valve Annuloplasty Does Not Reduce Mortality in Patients with Mitral Regurgitation and Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

Tissue-engineered valves give diseased hearts new life