Tests amlodipine with folic acid to prevent first stroke in high blood pressure

Who can take part

• Men and women, aged ≥45 and <75 years
• Hypertension: Previously diagnosed with primary hypertension and has been taking antihypertensive medication within the past two weeks; OR has not been taking antihypertensive medications within the last two weeks, but meets the following criteria for hypertension: SBP≥140 mmHg and/or DBP≥90 mmHg (average of at least 2 measurements each time) at two separate (not on the same day) clinical visits
• MTHFR 677 CC or CT genotype (based on the test results from the central laboratory during the screening period or a previous official test report from a laboratory with medical testing qualifications)
• Plasma total homocysteine ≥10 µmol/L
• Serum folate level <12 ng/mL
• Has voluntarily agreed to participate and provided signed informed consent; Randomized-treatment phase inclusion criteria:
• Good compliance during the run-in period, and unlikely to discontinue treatment
• No stroke or cardiovascular events during the run-in period
• The participant voluntarily agrees to continue the study

Who cannot take part

• Previously diagnosed secondary hypertension
• Previously diagnosed stroke
• Previously diagnosed myocardial infarction
• Previously diagnosed heart failure
• Previously diagnosed atrial fibrillation
• Prior history of significant intolerance due to adverse reactions resulting from usage of amlodipine or other CCBs, valsartan or other ARBs, indapamide or other similar diuretics, metoprolol tartaric acid or other beta-blockers, or any drugs or health products containing folate or folic acid
• Refusal to participate, or inability to modify current drug regimen
• Within one month prior to the first visit, having participated in any clinical trial for a drug that has not yet been officially approved by the state or is not currently approved for sale; or currently participating in any clinical trial that could potentially impact the results of this study (medication use, drug efficacy, drug interaction, etc.)
• Known to have congenital (such as aortic stenosis) or acquired organic heart disease
• The presence of any of the following conditions that could negatively influence a participant's ability to consent or participate in the trial:; Dementia; Severe mental disorders; Inability to express informed consent; Unlikely to complete the study follow-up as specified by the protocol, or plans to relocate outside of the study area in the near future; History of poor compliance when taking antihypertensive medications or is expected to have poor compliance during the study
• Currently on dialysis, or diagnosed with stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease, or eGFR <30 mL/ min/1.73m²
• Known to have any of the following severe diseases or conditions:; Digestive system: i. Previously diagnosed with any form of viral hepatitis that is currently still in the active phase; ii. Abnormal liver function test before enrollment (any of ALT, AST, GGT, TBIL, DBIL test 3 times higher than normal, or ALB≤30g/L); iii. Subtotal gastrectomy and/or gastrojejunostomy; Respiratory system: previously diagnosed with pulmonary heart disease; Presence of malignant tumors or other severe diseases; Presence of long-term gastrointestinal symptoms such as anorexia, decreased appetite, nausea, and abdominal bloating; Previously diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency and/or its related diseases
• Participant, at the investigator's discretion, is assessed to be unsuitable for the study, for reasons including but not limited to the presence of abnormal laboratory results, or clinical conditions
• Cardio-cerebral-kidney revascularization and/or other large arterial stent
• Regular consumption of folic acid or vitamin B compounds, or other compounds containing folic acid in the past 3 months
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding; or subjects of childbearing potential who are unwilling or unable to use effective contraception during the study period