A: Some vitamins may be helpful in preventing stroke and heart disease, but this has yet to be proved in a scientific study. The University of Arizona College of Medicine is participating in a nationwide study examining the role of B vitamins and folic acid in preventing a second stroke or heart attack.

Studies have shown that patients with higher blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine have more strokes and heart attacks. Therefore, homocysteine may increase the chance of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Homocysteine levels can be reduced by supplemental doses of folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.

The Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention Study (VISP) will see if these vitamins can reduce the risk of a second stroke or heart attack in patients who have had a stroke. The incidence of second stroke in patients who have had a first stroke is between 7 and 10 percent per year. In addition, many "first stroke" patients soon have a heart attack.

Vitamins may help to avert both. If the vitamins work, the outcome of the trial may be a recommendation that everyone who has a stroke add these vitamins to their diet. However, until the study is completed, people should not try high doses of folic acid on their own. Men or post- menopausal women ages 35 to 85 with a recent stroke are eligible for the study. For more information, please contact B.J. Huerta, R.N., (520) 626-4175.

By William Feinberg, M.D., neurologist, UA College of Medicine.

For referral to a UA physician, please call University Health Connection, (520) 694- 8888.

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