Serum Homocysteine and Cardiovascular Risk in Hypertensive Patients in Osun State

Elevated serum homocysteine is an independent cardiovascular risk factor associated with endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and atherogenesis. This study evaluates serum homocysteine levels in hypertensive patients and their correlation with other cardiovascular risk markers in Osun State, South West Nigeria. A case-control study design was employed, recruiting 100 hypertensive patients and 100 normotensive controls from a general hospital outpatient department. Serum homocysteine was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum folate and vitamin B12, which modulate homocysteine metabolism, were also determined alongside lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and renal function tests. Body mass index was recorded, and dietary folate and B vitamin intake was assessed using a 24-hour recall questionnaire. The study aims to determine the prevalence of elevated homocysteine in hypertensive Nigerians and to evaluate its additive contribution to overall cardiovascular risk beyond traditional lipid markers. The relationship between folate and B12 status and homocysteine elevation will also be analysed by correlation and multivariate methods. Findings will contribute to understanding the homocysteine-hypertension relationship in South West Nigerian adults and support advocacy for nutritional interventions targeting cardiovascular risk reduction. Keywords: serum homocysteine, hypertension, cardiovascular risk, folate deficiency, Osun State.