Vitamin D in atherosclerosis, vascular disease, and endothelial function

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risks of hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, stroke, and mortality.
• Emerging evidence suggests a link between vitamin D and vascular function, potentially influencing atherosclerosis development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence linking vitamin D status to cardiovascular disease pathogenesis and atherosclerotic processes.
• To identify remaining questions regarding vitamin D's role in cardiovascular health across diverse populations and its mechanisms of action.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental, clinical, and epidemiological studies on vitamin D and cardiovascular disease.
• Analysis of existing literature to assess the association between vitamin D and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Main Results:

• Studies suggest a correlation between low vitamin D levels and increased cardiovascular disease risk factors and mortality.
• Evidence indicates a potential association between vitamin D and vascular function indices, including atherosclerotic progression.
• Current research findings are mixed, with many questions remaining about specific mechanisms and effects across different populations.

Conclusions:

• While vitamin D deficiency is linked to cardiovascular risks, definitive conclusions require further investigation.
• The precise mechanisms and stages at which vitamin D influences atherosclerosis are not fully understood.
• Large-scale, placebo-controlled trials are necessary to determine the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in atherosclerosis before therapeutic recommendations can be made.