Global Prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia among Adults with Hypertension: A Narrative Review

Authors

Wangkheimayum Ashalata Devi PhD Scholar, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal & Professor, Sikkim Manipal College of Nursing, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok, Sikkim.Follow
Dr. Melita Sheilini Associate Professor, Departmment of Medical Surgical Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, ManipalFollow
Dr. Rinchen Doma Bhutia Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok, Sikkim.Follow
Corresponding Author: Dr.Melita Sheilini, Associate Professor,Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi district, Karnataka, India.Contact number- 8095976561. Email ID: shyli.mel@manipal.edu

Designation

PhD Scholar and Professor

Associate Professor

Assistant Professor

Abstract

Background: Elevated blood homocysteine (Hcy) levels are a hallmark of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), a metabolic disorder that is known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular illnesses. It greatly raises the risk of vascular problems when combined with hypertension (HTN). However, there are few statistics on the prevalence of HHcy in individuals with HTN. Objective: The present review aims to estimate the global prevalence of HHcy among adults with HTN and to highlight regional disparities, associated risk factors, and implications for clinical practice. Method: The comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar search engines. Studies published in English during the past decade were reviewed, focusing on adult hypertensive populations with documented HHcy. Results: This review reveals substantial global variability in the prevalence of HHcy among adults with HTN, ranging from 25% to 98.3%, with particularly high rates in Asian countries such as China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Nigeria. The absence of data from European and low-income countries highlights a significant gap in global understanding. Comparisons across studies are hindered by inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and methodologies. Factors such as nutritional deficiencies (especially folate and B12), BMI, lifestyle, and genetic variations also influence regional differences.

Conclusion: Screening for HHcy in hypertensive patients is essential due to its substantial influence on cardiovascular outcomes. This review sheds light on the factors determining HHcy, that includes food choices, lifestyle decisions, genetic variations, and nutritional status. Significant public health advantages could result from including HHcy screening into routine HTN care, especially in high-risk individuals. More study should be done on dietary therapies including supplementing with vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate (Vit. B9) as part of larger cardiovascular risk reduction programs.

Keywords: Adults, Global, Homocysteine, Hyperhomocysteinemia, Hypertension, Prevalence.

Recommended Citation

Devi, Wangkheimayum Ashalata PhD Scholar; Sheilini, Dr. Melita Associate Professor; Bhutia, Dr. Rinchen Doma Assistant Professor; and Corresponding Author: Dr.Melita Sheilini, Associate Professor,Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi district, Karnataka, India.Contact number- 8095976561. Email ID: shyli.mel@manipal.edu (2025) "Global Prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia among Adults with Hypertension: A Narrative Review," Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences: Vol. 11: Iss. 1, .
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55889/2582-7979.1323
Available at: https://impressions.manipal.edu/mjnhs/vol11/iss1/10