Improvement of blood pressure by vitamin C in patients with hypertension

ABSTRACT

An evidence has been provided for the formation of free radicals in-patients with hypertension. Some epidemiological studies suggest that antioxidants, such as Vitamin C are protective for cardiovascnlar diseases. This protective effect may be mediated through blood pressure. Twenty-two patients aged between 37-48 years diagnosed with essential hypertension were entered for study. These patients had frequent attacks of headache and nervousness. Kidney functions were normal in all the patients. Supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured at early morning once weekly for six weeks. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 153 +/- 9.54 and 101 +/- 8.60 mmHg respectively. The patients were treated with 1000mg of Vitamin C twice daily for a maximum of six weeks. The results showed that systolic blood pressure significantly decreased to 128 +/- 9.08 mm Hg [P< 0.001] and diastolic blood pressure to 78 +/- 6.4 mm 14g. [P< 0.001]. The present clinical observation showed that Vitamin C supplements should improve both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension